Given that Daniel Pearson shot to prominence in 2008 by releasing a new track every week to his MySpace page, it's surprising it's taken him this long to piece together his debut album. Thankfully, he hasn't spent the intervening period overdubbing overdubs in the studio. Rather, in true DIY style, the album was recorded in one productive six day spell, which gives the record the organic feel the material deserves.
With 'Satellites', Pearson sets his sights high and doesn't often miss. Opening track 'Masquerade' showcases all that's good about the record. Half the record is simply Pearson with just his guitar and voice, and with his enviable ear for fusing melody with something a little crunchier, he's never less than convincing. Equally, when he has his band behind him on 'Tracks' and '4th July', the quality doesn't diminish. Clearly, Pearson is an artist who wears his influences on his sleeve, but they're generally kept well in check and aren't allowed to dominate. Only 'Black n' Blue', which owes too much of a debt to Ryan Adams, grates a little. When these influences are filtered into his own sound, the results are hugely impressive. 'Satellite Town', which gives a glimpse into his small-town upbringing, demonstrates that there's real substance to his work.
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'Satellites' makes no pretence of being something it's not. If you like artists like Ryan Adams, Steve Earle and The Lemonheads, you'll find plenty to like here. If you're familiar with Pearson's previous work, this album feels like the closing of an old chapter and a sign posting of his future intent. Fans of honest, classic song-writing would be well advised to listen out for him.
Download through iTunes or see:
www.myspace.com/danielpearsonofficial
www.saintinthecity.com
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