Jeremy Bradley Earl has officially released music under his own name and Four Songs is the first EP under the self-named moniker. The sound is definitely akin to Woods, which is what you would expect from having the same vocalist and creative force of the aforementioned band. However, this solo project is revealing a more stripped-down and introspective side of Earl’s. It is much more folk-driven compared to the psychedelic rock-infused sound that Woods are known for, and many of the themes surround a break down of the self, processing pain, and embracing external forces. The cover art for the release is a geographical map of Rhode Island, outlined and highlighted in orange, behind various hand-drawn symbols. Jeremy Bradley Earl is a New York resident, living upstate in Stone Ridge, just a few hours outside of NYC. Much of Earl’s lyrical content can be tied to the nature and carefree vibe of upstate. As an attendee of Woodsist Fest a couple of times, I can confidently attest that the music by JBE is both sonically and lyrically fitting for the area of origin.
The EP opens up with “Days Turn Around,” a mildly jovial, mildly melancholy number that speaks to loss and regret, and reflection as a result of isolation. The chorus confronts the desire to honestly face truths, but grappling with the consequence of doing so. In JBE’s natural rawness, he captures the swirling, painful experience of trying to make sense of identity and loss. This song melds into the next, “Let The Snow Fall,” the EP’s first single released earlier this month. It starts off stripped-back sound that slowly builds, just as snow does when it falls. By the time the chorus hits, the full band is brought in with a merry swaying tune. I thought the timing of the release of this track was interesting, considering we are on the verge of Spring. The line “let the snow fall one more day” could be JBE’s way of wanting time to hold still, wanting to stay cozied up inside, not quite ready to let the passing of time move forward and face the inevitable changes that come with it.
While the first half of the EP features more jangly indie songs, it still has it’s psychedelic moments, like in the meditative introduction of the third track “I Know A Better Place.” The song evokes the feeling of a nighttime acoustic guitar session under the glow of a porch light, while creating a sonic atmosphere that mirrors natural sounds of the night, like a gently running creek or the occasional croak of a frog. Distant crooning adds to the emotional depth of the track, while the intermittent pedal steel perfectly rounds it out, offering that comforting country twang. The EP closes with “Deep Water For Ed,” ending the Four Songs on a short and sweet note. In expected fashion, JBE uses nature as a metaphor for emphasizing the interconnectedness we all have with each other and the natural continuity of life. There’s a sense of hopeful optimism in the music, and a tinge of longing. This ties back to the other tracks that touch on themes of loss, but here we are shown an acceptance and a path out of the sorrow, suggesting a glimmer of hope and a way forward.
Four Songs takes you on an emotional journey through themes of loss, introspection, and eventual healing. Through metaphor and sonic atmospheres, Jeremy Bradley Earl presents to us a raw, introspective look at what’s under the hood. From processing pain, to finding peace in stillness, to longing for hope, this collection feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. In just a few songs, he guides us through the process, ultimately finding a sense of closure and subtle optimism for the future.
Listen to Four Songs below:
Jeremy Bradley Earl Tour Dates:
Thu. Mar. 20 – Kingston, NY @ Tubby’s *
Fri. Mar. 21 – Kingston, NY @ Tubby’s [SOLD OUT] *
Sat. Mar. 22 – Providence, RI @ AS220 *
Sun. Mar. 23 – Winooski, VT @ Monkey House *
Mon. Mar. 24 – Portsmouth, NH @ Press Room *
Tue. Mar. 25 – Portland, ME @ Space 538 *
Thu. Mar. 27 – Philadelphia, PA @ Fist Unitarian Side Chapel – early & late shows [SOLD OUT] *
Fri. Mar. 28 – Washington, DC @ Songbyrd *
Sat. Mar. 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool [SOLD OUT] *
Sun. Mar. 30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool *
Mon. Apr. 14 – Paris, FR @ Le Point Ephémère
Thu. Apr. 17 – Barcelona, ES @ Laut
Sun. Apr. 20 – Lisbon, PT @ Musicbox
Tue. Apr. 22 – London, UK @ Lexington
* with Daniel Higgs
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