'Ashtray Black'
Press Reviews
The album ‘Ashtray Black’, was released March 2017, is a stunning collection of songs that simply make you feel good. The often ironic, often heartbreaking lyrical content sits very well over tunes that you find yourself singing along to, firmly positioning Pete as a burgeoning talent in the songwriting world. The album is produced by Mercury winner Tommy McLaughlin, with ‘11 Oclock’, ‘All These Things’, ‘Pretty Smiles’ and ‘Hard Days’ mixed by Ash Howes. His new single ‘Hollywood Lights” is out now on itunes.
- Music News
Comments from the industry
Pete is an outstanding singer/songwriter whose material crosses borders from the new
folk/country/Americana scene to mainstream alt/pop. A consummate, engaging performer,
Pete’s biggest gift is his ability to write lyrics that rival the very best in the business.
A host of blogs, playlists and BBC Introducing have given Pete their support, on which we seek to build in 2020 with an ambitious programme of releases.
Ville Leppanen
MD, The Animal Farm LLP
Comments from musicians
Dave Pegg, Fairport Convention:
"I was very impressed by Pete’s performance. His lyrics were very well put together and reminded me of Dylan, Loudon Wainwright and Al Stewart which, is not to detract from the songs he performed. His guitar playing was faultless and rhythmically 10/10 as was his singing and phrasing."
Oli Steadman, Indie band Stornoway:
"I really thought Pete had the songwriter's knack...
every line seems to spark some new enticing imagery in the mind's eye;
every word is beautifully clear so that you know precisely what he was saying
(while being left with enough space to imagine your own take on the stories he sings)."
Gil Grand (CCMA male vocalist of the year) on Pete's performance at Z Music Room, Nashville:
“His performance at the writers night wowed the audience. He presents himself as confident but kind.
We all loved him here and would love to have him back anytime.”
Record of the Day
Bourbon and the Truth:
“(Pete) is back with a fresher, more Americana-tinged sound than before in this his latest ode. ‘Bourbon and the Truth’ is a frenetic and anxiety-driven offering set to a rousing beat.”
Record of the Day
Idols
"Endearing and engaging, you’ll smile at the
familiarity of tabloid kiss-and-tell revelations and superstar falls from grace on this charming debut.".
Colourising
Using a backdrop of indie-pop and folk,
Gardiner’s witty lyricism, keeps you locked into each song like true and crafty entertainer
One on One Music
These lyrics are genuinely, seriously, properly amazing. Well worth a listen
Student Pocket Guide
this talented musician has a solid career ahead of him with renowned success on the horizon. We can’t wait to hear more from him, and his powerful, yet soothing vocal is definitely one to look out for in the coming months
Yack Magazine
Pete Gardiner is a damn fine lyricist. This song had us sat up in our chair begging for the next line. It’s clever, it’s accomplished, and it’s deliciously dark. He plays with the narrative whilst dishing out one liners that would steal the show or warrant a chorus in any other track.
Music of the Future
Pete has a smokey but modulated voice
throughout the whole EP which from the start shows you that it will be an EP to get on repeat, you will love it!
Beehive Candy
This is real quality singer songwriter music. The lyrics are sharp, observational, even witty and yet having listened to the ep I come away thinking more about the music and songs even than the singer, which I think is a good thing. Pete just makes you want to listen, perhaps he wants to make you think, which is no bad thing either.
Eightball
A classic Americana influenced singer songwriter with a Lloyd Cole feel to his writing and his band, all acoustic guitars and Hammond (-ish) organs, the track Idols is a lovely meditation on just exactly how chatty societies obsession with shallow celebrities is.
Virtuoso Sounds
The writing of the EP is clever sometimes comedic but still remaining true to reality, you can feel Gardiner has a real knack of writing about his own circumstances. His voices oozes confidence and a real upbeat charm.
Gig Reviews
