of dirt and moon - electronic press kit

 "Renowned for his compelling fusion of indie rock, emo folk, and  evocative lyricism, this release is an affirmation of the artist’s  commitment to using music as an awakening tool, echoing deep emotional  resonances and ethereal might.” 

https://conversationsabouther.net/boston-alternative-folk-artist-the-last-optimist-debuts-seed-water-sun-album/

by We Plug Good Music

 "Piercing lyrical themes, bold musical statements, and haunting performances live and breathe on The Last Optimist's brand new release." 

https://www.rockeramagazine.com/seed-water-sun-the-last-optimist/ 

by  Moataz Gwaily

  "The Last Optimist returns with a gorgeous full-length in seed water sun — further showcasing the artist’s riveting songwriting, ranging from  the budding dark folk-rock of “shame you left me” to the caressing duet  balladry of “not a sound” and the twangy rocker “one night in Belfast.”  https://www.obscuresound.com/2023/08/the-last-optimist-seed-water-sun/

by Mike Mineo  

“Alternative Folk Artist The Last Optimist uses his music as a tool for awakening on new release ‘seed water sun’ an album both emotionally subtle and brimming with ethereal power.”

https://www.nyrdcast.com/2023/08/the-last-optimist-uses-his-music-as-a-tool-for-awakening-on-seed-water-sun/

by Eugene Tierney  

 "Raised on the DIY folk punk activism influences of Ani Difranco and Fugazi, it’s easy to see how the last optimist forged  his own strong-willed and wholly original path, pairing indie rock with  emo folk, social activism with transcendentalism, trauma with solace,  dissonance with poetry."

https://independentmusicpromotions.com/alternative-folk-artist-the-last-optimist-uses-music-as-a-tool-for-awakening/

by James Moore

 Markus “has carved out a niche with a unique delivery and down-to-earth lyricism that is entirely his own” and “is sure to help find comfort and solace for many listeners.” by Cody Conard 

 “Championing a heart-on-the-sleeve subgenre known as Sad Folk.” by Kath Galasso  

 “Empathy is hard to access when we can’t possibly imagine what something really feels like – but music can do that for us and this little song has some work to do in the world.” Interview with Mike Mineo  

 “How can you work under the moniker The Last Optimist and at the same time champion a sub-genre that some critics call ‘sad folk?” by Ljubinko Zivkovic  

 “Sad folk’ songwriter, poet, and activist Markus Belanger is the Last Optimist - a moniker that he had conjured during dark times for the globe.” by Jonathan Frahm 

 “Opening on a tender, glittering acoustic guitar topped by Markus’ evocative voice - the harmonic flow shifts with the entry of a dark rhythmic component, taking on the desperate colors of a panic attack.” 

by Randall Radic

 “The Last Optimist crafts indie folk flavored singer-songwriter fare that’s unique, extremely well written, and quirky.” 

By the painted man in Music  

 “In the world today, it's tough to be an optimist - but not only is The Last Optimist offering up some hope here, there is a sense of being able to listen to this EP as a distraction, to forget about that outside world for a bit. While it won't make your problems go away, it can help to ease your mind and perhaps see them a little bit differently.” 

By Joshua Macala