With the release of Shady Retreat Peasant, AKA Damien DeRose has reclaimed his intentions. Shady Retreat establishes a winning combination of the quirky/folk I fell in love with on his self-released Fear Not, Distant Lover and the folk/pop of On The Ground released by Paper Garden Records.
The treatments throughout the recording give DeRose's distinct melodies the folky charm of a favorite old shirt or the warmth of a familiar feeling. His voice captures a raw sincerity, always on the verge of breaking, gathering teardrops and sentiments of love, loss, hope, and promise.
Don't be deceived by short or seemingly simple aspects of DeRose's writing, he is a thoughtful writer and editor. It is what he leaves out that is important.
His lyrics fluctuate from global to personal, where he pushes and pulls those competing themes. Especially in "Hard Times," where the guitar and vocals echo through old speakers creating a poignant, timeless feel. Kind of like a lullaby for a young generation losing hope through difficult times. / Hard times / aren't good times /, but we'll still try to see them through /.
This collection starts with "Thinking," combining the organ, shakers, and harmonies to contemplate our place in the world.. / We just can't go on without thinking /. I don't think any lyric could be so perfectly clear and relevant.
"The Distance" continues in a reflective tone, one that is more personal than worldly, with a slow strum that ponders the future while listening to the distance of the past. / where have you been my lover / where have you gone my friends /.
