David Berman

Initially lo-fi and increasingly country-inspired, Berman helped develop the sound of the band and provided the lyrical material. His lyrical themes often overlapped with his poetry, of which he published one volume, Actual Air. His lyrics were multifaceted and cynical, often discussing his struggle with substance abuse and depression. These struggles culminated in a suicide attempt in 2003, after which he underwent rehabilitation, engaged with Judaism, and toured for the first time; soon, however, he dissolved the band and largely withdrew from public life.
After several years of seclusion, he decided to return to music, adopting the stage name Purple Mountains and releasing an eponymous album in July 2019. A month after its release, he died by suicide. Purple Mountains was well received critically, and garnered acclaim from his dedicated following. He is regarded as a significant and influential indie rock cult figure.