NICK PIUNTI
****
13 In My
Head
(SUGARBUSH RECORDS) www.nickpiunti.com
An intriguing surprise from Kent-based label Sugarbush, who
have previously specialised mainly in English psych-pop, this vinyl release from
Detroit-based Piunti came out on CD to wide acclaim in the States last year,
and here re-emerges with two strong bonus tracks. Piunti is one of those
never-quite-made-its whose passion for music has remained undimmed by a lack of
commercial success. Beginning in 1975 with a band called Dwarf (who changed
their name to The Take in the ‘80s), he abandoned music for a while to raise a
family before returning with little fanfare to release a solo album in 2002,
after which he made a couple of albums as The Respectables.
Not everyone makes their best music in their youth, however,
and perhaps Piunti’s time has finally come, as this is an accomplished and
enjoyable instant powerpop classic, full of driving guitars, sing-a-long
melodies and hooks a-plenty. Piunti’s also recruited himself a very fine
backing band, with a rhythm section tighter than Rod Stewart’s trousers.
13 In My Head is very much a feel-good
record and would make a great addition to anyone’s summer soundtrack.
Martin Dowsing
