"Damien DeRose, from Doylestown, PA, arrives with the humility of one of the working class. Performing under the name of Peasant, DeRose seems to exemplify the simplicity of musical creation in light of dark times. With an ostensibly perfect set of circumstances to fuel the flames of his own artistic revolt, Peasant is the ideal songwriter to resemble the struggle.
Head down as though years of struggle and strife have placed him under the earth, his ability to silence a crowd with a simple acoustic guitar is never in doubt.
With On the Ground, Peasant has collected a series of stories and songs that would bolster any dejected listener and grant assurance to any weary proletarian. Able to construct valiant textures with uncomplicated production and delicate lyrics, Peasant’s latest record on Paper Garden Records is a more than fitting follow-up to Fear Not, Distant Lover.
Societies could not last without the peasant class. In the case of DeRose, his examination of the world around him and interactions within the social classes make him an essential part of our world. His storytelling ability is akin to Simon and Garfunkel, drawing on personal experiences to weave tales of existence from his perspective.
Peasant’s soft intonations bring the lyrical beauty of songs like “Fine Is Fine” to epic levels, allowing the minimalistic sound to course its way through winding rivers of gentleness and nuance. His free approach to song-writing is palpable on tracks like the stunningly lush “The Wind” and the somewhat risky “Birds,” both of which expose a more audacious side.
When it comes to balladry, Peasant delivers songs with splendour and texture that are hard to match in current music. The maddeningly elegant “Raise Today”, is highlighted by soft vocals and affectionate acoustic plucking.
Peasant does his best Paul Simon impression on “Impeccable Manners,” a remarkable song in which he tests his vocal range and plucks charmingly on his guitar. Other songs work the same angle faultlessly, using folk music and moving lyrics to offer simple songs from the heart. The album’s title track is another fine example of Peasant’s ability to tell wonderful stories on a folk backdrop worthy of the best in the business.
In a day and age when many artists suffer and toil for the ruling class, Peasant is able to tell stories of his time and offer calm in gloomy surroundings of darkening skies. For many, his music will mend old wounds and offer comfort for new days. He is an extraordinary talent worthy of leading the rebellion and On the Ground is a nice way to get acquainted with this gifted artist."
-Blogcritics.org
"Tender, weather-beaten vocals and fumbly, hypnotic hooks..." - Cnet/download.com
“DeRose’s vocals float above acoustic guitar melodies, evoking the lyrical eloquence and delicate arrangements of Rogue Wave and the late Elliott Smith.” - Magnet Magazine
“It's a good feeling to come across an artist you instantly like, sort of by accident. That happened to me with Peasant a few weeks ago when I randomly selected his CD 'On The Ground'…” - Brooklyn Vegan
“Peasant will no doubt have huge success in the coming year” - Frederick Foxtrott
"...we actually enjoy this album more than most of the stuff we've heard by [Elliot] Smith. Every one of the thirteen tracks is lovely, melodic, catchy, and deeply felt." - Phillyist
"Beautiful and lovely." - The Music Slut
"Consider him the U.S. version of Jose Gonzalez.” - Music Snobbery
“On The Ground is presented to us as a wonderful exhibition of how to make a pop song carry appeal.” - Stranded In Stereo
“…perfect for the next Wes Anderson movie.”- Earfarm.com
Come join us Friday May 15th @ 9:00 PM @ Club Risque! All Out Friday Night featuring Dive, Even The Res, and Spy The Thinker - $10 gets you into the show upstairs and the gentleman's club downstairs. For updates check www.myspace.com/risquelive.
can you make it? i hope so :) I'm back in Philly!! March 14th at MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore...www.milkboycoffee.com for tiks... really hope to see you there! Playing all new songs! Mwuah~ Lelia
Hey man, any shot you could put up Don't Quit? I haven't heard that whole album in so long, I have the disc at my parents place and I am away at school.
I just got your cd in the mail and for some reason it only plays up to song eight in my car stereo but in my home system it plays the whole thing. Good stuff :)
Hi, Just to let you know I will be playing your music Tuesday on my show on www.HGRNJ.org between 12 noon and 3 pm Eastern Time ( 5-8 pm England or 6-9 pm Central Europe Time). I hope you can tune in, if you miss the show you can Check out my Playlist link on my MySpace page and let me know what you think! cheers sher "Sher Delight"
also, music in state college? ill totally hook you up with a place to stay. and egg sandwiches. a rooftop with good people watching. pasta upon request. and.. um.. a beer. no, two beers. with a possibility of three.
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