Peasant Shady Retreat (Paper Garden, 2010) Track List: 1. Thinking 2. The Distance 3. Well Alright 4. The End 5. Pry 6. Prescriptions 7. Into The Woods 8. Tough 9. Hard Times 10. Slow Down

Shady Retreat, the latest album by Peasant, will make your ears smile.

In many ways it feels as though we’re all invited to a secret listening party where not even Peasant (Damien DeRose) is aware of our presence.  And in this approach we get a full-length album of honest songs with story perfect songwriting.  Shady Retreat is a truly delightful album to listen to.

“Thinking”, a percussive driven (equal parts shaker and piano) lead track that reminds us “we just can’t go on without thinking”. Most of the album seems to flirt with the happy, upbeat melodies vs. serious, often sad, real lyrics dichotomy.  A dichotomy that makes this album burst with feeling and a sense of optimism. “What can I say when I don’t want to pry but I think that something is wrong?” I don’t know the answer but “Pry” is a wonderful song.  The horse galloping taps of “Prescriptions” is a nice touch. “Tough” is perfect!  “Hard Times” is brilliant, haunting, and inspiring.  The voice heard on all of these tracks is that of Peasant (Damien DeRose) and probably the best instrument of them all.  DeRose’s voice is gentle but assertive, yet never too excessive in getting his lyrics across with a tone so peaceful that is always refreshing to listen to.  Seriously, I just love this album so much.

[sample song]Peasant – “Hard Times” from Shady Retreat

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So, if you like what you hear by all means support the artist and buy the album.  And remember, Shady Retreat is Peasant’s sophomore release on the Paper Garden label.  I highly recommend you give ‘On The Ground’ a listen as well.

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