Silver Jews, Purple Mountains Songwriter David Berman Passes Away At 52

David Berman of US outfits Silver Jews and Purple Mountains is confirmed to have passed away today at the age of 52. 

The Virginia-born songwriter's passing was confirmed by his label, Drag City Records, however a cause of death is yet to be announced. 

"A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we've ever known is gone," Drag City said in an online statement today.

We couldn't be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today. A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we've ever known is gone. Rest easy, David. pic.twitter.com/5n5bctcu4j

— 𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖌 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 (@dragcityrecords) August 7, 2019

Berman's death comes less than a month after he released Purple Mountain's eponymous debut studio album; his first new music since Silver Jews disbanded in 2009. 

Berman formed Silver Jews in the late '80s with Pavement members Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich and together they released six studio albums, including their final LP, 2008's Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea.

A North American tour in support of Purple Mountain's debut album was scheduled to kick off this week.

The Music gave the Purple Mountains album a four-and-a-half star rating, saying Berman is "right at the top of his game".

"An exercise in self-analysis, Purple Mountains poses as many questions as it answers. It’s both universal and nakedly personal. It’s funny and entertaining too. It’s also a highly compelling record and the towering pinnacle of Berman’s work to date."