Peasant – On the Ground

• Author: ravinglunatic
• December 21, 2008
• Category: 2009, Author: Ravinglunatic, folk

Here’s a recent album that has really blown me away. This guy is clearly an awesome songwriter, as these songs are without exception wonderful. He plays a kind of melancholy folk-pop, not unlike Iron & Wine and Bon Iver, though those comparisons are far from adequate and he has a sound that distinguishes him from anyone else that I’ve heard. I’m really excited about this up-and-comer and since his album is getting a wider release in 2009 via Team Love Records than it did in 2008, I’m counting it on my 2009 list. There is no way to purchase the album right now (EDIT: I have been informed that it is available at iTunes), but be sure to buy this album on January 27th when it will be (re-)released by Team Love Records. I personally can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Also, check out the excellent Daytrotter Session he did. As always, thanks to the good folks at Daytrotter for their good work. http://daytrotter.com/article/1507/peasant ——-RL

Review from Frederick Foxtrott

“On the Ground is a record to listen to and absorb as we exit the gray days of winter. It records Peasant’s negotiation of gloomy emotions and difficult situations. Many have compared him to Elliot Smith, and he has to some extent ratified that comparison, but rather than misery, his less self-deprecating style tastes of bitter-sweetness. Songs like The Wind and Exposure tap into the lingering darkness of unspoken fears and doubts that distract our daily lives. As we contemplate these moody thoughts, our experiences and unclear abstractions are reified by Peasant’s words.

I have said previously that Damien DeRose’s voice is flawless, but his ability to bottle that beauty is remarkable. Usually such criticism is approached from the opposite angle. People rarely question what can be recorded after seeing such satisfying live performances. I have written at some length about Peasant’s talent and couldn’t be happier with this release. On the Ground offers 13 tracks without sounding repetitive or exhausting my patience and tolerance for sensitivity, which is rare these days. Peasant accomplishes this in part by keeping his songs under 3 minutes, making sure that the bitter moments do not overstay their welcome.

Peasant is a hard working independent artist whose organic music stands apart from the ridiculous number of singer songwriters standing in line for their songs to make it in the annals of recorded greatness, and depending on how hard Peasant pushes himself and his music, I am entirely convinced that he will make it. If not, no one can say that On the Ground wasn’t great. Peasant’s music is as sweet as a mulberry and as perfect as a rainy day. Where he goes from here, I cannot wait to see.”

http://www.mediafire.com/?omwjinkozzx  (this link is not working for some, so below is an alternate)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OUH6A9H5

http://www.myspace.com/peasant

(The album is only available in digital form from iTunes at the moment, but it will become available in physical form, as mentioned before, on January 27th via Team Love Records)

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