9/14/98 :: CMJ :: by Jordan N. Mamone

Despite being frequently mislabeled as an alternative country act, Pinetop Seven has invented an evocative, idiosyncratic brand of highly personalized rootsiness that threatens to break completely from tradition. Eclectic, acoustic instrumentation abounds, but nary a trace of quirkiness nor twang emanates from Darren Richard's haunted vocals nor the band's somber, gently rippling songcraft. Every ghostly accordion, oddball bit of percussion and creaking violin hints at recognizable folksiness, but the unconventional mix'n'match of ideas when mated with Richard's subdued drama approaches the avant-garde. Pinetop Seven's elegant innovation and bizarre, drummer-less modus operandi imposes a feast of sensual sonic textures onto classic American balladeering. The band cites wry filmmaker Jim Jarmusch as an influence, and Rigging the Toplights would certainly serve as a conducive alternate soundtrack to the rustbelt driving scenes in Stranger Than Paradise.