Pete Molinari – Walking Off The Map

Review by Chris Wood
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW : Pete Molinari

After receiving an LP by a guy named Pete Molinari, only one question came to mind; who the hell is Pete Molinari??? 

Just looking at the front cover alone you could be forgiven for thinking this is a re-issue of a relatively obscure folk-hero of the late 60’s. But no, this is a career born out of the same decade as Freddy Krueger-esque stripy tops, The OC and Axle Whitehead. Thankfully, he doesn’t resemble any of these (especially the latter). 

In saying this, however, I am not in the position to deny the possibility that he does wear said stripy apparel, watches the OC or witnessed Axle’s short-lived career as the esteemed host of Video Hits. Even if this were true, however, it is hardly relevant.

Not knowing anything about this guy, you can be assured I was on the Internet within minutes, finding out as much as possible about this seemingly little known guitar wielding poet. Listening to the opening tracks I began to make the usual comparisons of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, with a hint of Nick Drake.

This is a fact that Pete himself appears to be all too aware of, lamenting the idea of being unable to control the inevitable labeling machine that haunts him and his chosen art form. 

‘I just want to be a Shepherd and find my sheep’. Though, it appears more likely that his ‘sheep’ have found him.

Opening track Indescribably Blue paves the path for the rest of the album to follow.  Both honesty and openness form an integral bond on this album through Pete’s poignant lyrics, which is only made more sincere through the use of long time friend and first time producer Billy Childish’s kitchen as a makeshift recording studio to capture those rough and earthy mistakes that so many recordings today neglect to pay homage to.

Although Pete’s guitar abilities are unlikely to be considered in the same ilk as guitar virtuoso Slava Gregorian, his level of proficiency does form a solid base, a perfectly complimentary frame for his hauntingly fragile voice.

Essentially, the theory behind folk/blues/poetic country music (or whatever list of adjectives you decide to compile) is that when you just have lyricist and accompaniment, the resulting music spews forth honesty and lyrical accountability. Not having glossy hooks or catchy chorus lines, the artist is stripping their music down to the bare minimum. They are effectively putting themselves out there for all to see.

After now having listened to this album a number of times, I cant help but notice the number of similarities it has with countless other albums that speak of relationship problems, self exploration and loneliness.

Throw in maybe a bit of teenage angst and you have the recipe for any contemporary rock LP for the last 50 years. It just goes to show how if you strip back almost anything you have heard in your lifetime to the bear essentials, songs aren’t that different. 

I am aware that there is something inherently stupid with what I just said, so allow me the opportunity to further explain my point. Of course songs would sound the same if they were all played on an out of tune guitar and sung by a man who with a drinking problem (not implying Pete Molinari has a drinking problem, like I said, I don't want to compare him to Axle Whitehead). 

The best part of this album is its strength as a unit. It doesn’t appear to rely on any group of songs for its audible success. The beauty lies within its simplicity. There are 15 tracks, all of them great. Although this isn’t my favourite album of all time, I can guarantee you will succumb to the tender vocal stylings of Pete Molinari.

Do yourself a favour and enrich your musical repertoire.

RATING: 3 out of 5