Eddie Berman’s “Signal Fire,” released on January 19, 2024, is an album that resonates with a warmth and intimacy that only a seasoned storyteller can deliver. The Portland-based folk-rock troubadour brings us an introspective 13-track journey, one that’s woven from threads of familial love, existential contemplation, and the beauty found in life’s transient moments.
“Signal Fire” is born out of a series of rehearsals that reunited Berman with his band after a hiatus of two years. These sessions, originally intended to be a mere exploration of musical synergy, ended up being the soul of the album. Recorded at 64 Sound Recording Studio in Los Angeles during a rare rainstorm, the album exudes a sense of raw immediacy, a departure from Berman’s previous remote recording process for “Broken English.”
The opener, “Rolling Over Me,” sets a tone that is both reflective and hopeful. The song, with its blissful melody, feels like a metaphorical ray of sunshine piercing through a dark cloud, embodying the album’s overarching theme of finding light in darkness. The track’s organic evolution in the studio highlights the spontaneity that live recording sessions can spark, capturing a moment of creative magic.
“First of Spring (Keira’s Song)” is a poignant testament to the complexities of paternal love. Inspired by the birth of Berman’s younger daughter and the initial terror in the delivery room, the song is an emotional narrative that speaks to the fears and joys of parenthood. The song’s folk-infused melody, coupled with Berman’s heartfelt lyrics, creates a tapestry of emotions that are deeply relatable.
“Heartbroken” is another standout track, where Berman’s lyrical prowess shines. The song is a contemplative piece, reflecting on the dualities of life and the future that awaits his children. The mournful accordion and deft fingerpicking lend the track a melancholic yet beautiful quality, underscoring the introspection and vulnerability that Berman so skillfully conveys.
“Go From Here” is a journey in itself, exploring themes of uncertainty and resilience. The song’s arrangement is testament to Berman’s ability to balance simplicity with depth, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage. It’s a track that encapsulates the essence of moving forward, despite not always knowing the path ahead.
The album’s production, spearheaded by longtime collaborator Pierre de Reeder, captures the essence of Berman’s vision – a blend of Nick Drake’s gentle grace with the subtle sonic bite of Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks.” The use of live recording techniques brings a level of authenticity and rawness to the album, allowing the natural chemistry of the band to shine through.
Lyrically, “Signal Fire” is an exploration of Berman’s personal journey. Songs like “Mare Imbrium,” a romantic ballad, extend this introspection to cosmic dimensions, while maintaining an earthy, grounded feel. The album’s title track encapsulates this duality perfectly – it’s both an invitation and a warning, a beacon and a fire to be wary of.
The album’s concluding track, “Back to You,” brings the journey full circle. It’s a song about the enduring nature of love and the timelessness of the bond it creates. The final lines, “We’ll be walking these hills long after we’re done / Because our song lasts forever and it has always been sung,” leave the listener with a sense of everlasting continuity, a fitting end to an album steeped in introspection and personal revelation.
In conclusion, “Signal Fire” is a testament to Eddie Berman’s evolution as a songwriter and a musician. It’s an album that captures the complexities of human emotions, the nuances of personal relationships, and the perpetual search for meaning in an ever-changing world. Each track is a piece of a larger narrative, one that Berman navigates with the deftness of a seasoned storyteller. With “Signal Fire,” Berman not only cements his place in the folk-rock genre but also offers listeners a deeply moving, introspective, and ultimately hopeful collection of songs. This album is a beacon for those navigating the foggy waters of life, reminding us of the power of music to illuminate, to reflect, and to heal.
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