David Berman returned after a decade away with a set of ten songs that turn plainspoken confession into sturdy, familiar songcraft. Purple Mountains moves through country, folk and alternative rock, with melodies that feel built for an old jukebox even when the writing is bleak. “That’s Just the Way That I Feel” and “All My Happiness is Gone” set the tone early, while “Margaritas at the Mall” brings a sharper, more everyday kind of sadness. The songs are candid without sounding overworked, and the album’s directness gives its darker lines plenty of weight.
Released by Drag City on July 12, 2019, this is Berman’s first release under the Purple Mountains name, following his long run with Silver Jews. The source tags point toward Johnny Paycheck, Silver Jews and Chicago, though the record’s appeal is less about neat reference points than the way it balances country feeling with indie rock understatement. Anyone drawn to singer-songwriters who leave the rough edges in the frame should find plenty here, especially fans of Berman’s earlier work. It’s a paid release with FLAC, ALAC, WAV and AIFF among the available formats, alongside MP3 320.
