I reached out to Sam Luna, singer-songwriter and owner of the Heist in Ripon, Wis., a few weeks ago to see if he had any recommendations for Americana music that I was unfamiliar with.
Wading through a flood of recommendations, I can across Ashville, N.C.-based Pierce Eden’s Heist performance from earlier this year. Eden unapologetically wears his Appalachian roots. His set was spacious, with just a finger-picked acoustic and Eden’s bold, sandpaper vocals to convey vivid and powerful lyrics.
“It’s Alright, It’s All Wrong” from Pierce Eden’s 2017 release, Stripped Down Gussied Up, is immediately memorable with its forceful lyrics and gut-wrenching acoustic work. his live performance at the Heist also included the songs “Lovely Bones” and “Two Pennies,” which are consistent in style and power. Both appear to be unreleased and offer a good taste of what is hopefully to come soon from Edens.
When Sam turned me on to Pierce Edens, he said: “I hope you enjoy the gravel and the grit.” He wasn’t kidding.
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