aaamusic | On 25, Aug 2011

Singer-songwriter Daniel Pearson trades in timeless songs that fuse the simplicity of punk to the heart-on-sleeve honesty of alt. country, sung with a unique voice that’s equal parts confidence and vulnerability.

Growing up in East Yorkshire, he was force-fed Springsteen by Boss-obsessive parents and eventually fell in love with the US Alternative Rock typified by The Lemonheads, Nirvana and Elliott Smith. These twin strands of music are cited as his biggest influences, and he is also a huge fan of The National, Bob Dylan and Ryan Adams.

Relocating to Leeds almost a decade ago, honing his sound around the live venues in the city with just his guitar and a revolving band of musicians along for the ride. His bruised ballads became Daniel’s trademark sound as word spread about a distinctive solo artist crafting infectious melodies and ballads.

Satellites is his debut album and showcases a talented songwriter and lyricist standing apart in crowded field. An album that pushes the boundaries of songwriting. Recorded for the most part at The Soundmill in Leeds over a lively 5 day period in the summer, the album was co-produced by Pearson and the talented Ed Heaton (who has also produced fellow rising indie folk stars Ellen And The Escapades). Additional mixing and mastering of two songs (Civilians and I’m Swimming Through Ashes Of Bridges I’ve Burned) was done by local punk hero Tom Woodhead (formerly of !Forward Russia!) using Pearson’s home recordings. While many singer-songwriters stick to the narrow confines of bedsit acoustics, Satellites contains an impressive range of well crafted songs that sound immediately familiar. The tender fragility of album opener Masquerade and the sweeping, heartfelt Waves In The Sea contrast to the effervescent pop bounce of Tracks and the anthemic melodies of Wishing Well. Also present is the Stonesy stomp of Black n’ Blue, a two and a half minute blast of countrified power pop in 4^th July and the haunting, satirical Civilians.

Satellites is a record that’s happy to be all about great songs – and Pearson’s natural warmth, honesty and talent shines through all of them to create a stunning debut.

 

You can see Daniel live on the following dates –

Thursday 1st September – Bar 122, Huddersfield (£4) 8pm – 11pm

Monday 19th September – Oporto, Leeds (Free Entry) 8.30pm – 11pm

Official Site – www.danielpearson.net / Facebook – www.facebook.com/danielpearsonfb

Twitter – @daniel_pearson / Soundcloud – www.soundcloud.com/danielpearson