Rob Eberle swings big with the release of his new single, From a Distance. Luckily, whereas for some this can prove a sonic road to ruin, Eberle balances the elements and comes out with a polished, refined sound that utilizes minimal production, and subtly electronically manipulated acoustics. The Long Island native seems content to utilize his musical chops slowly, resulting in an elaborate musical campaign that emphasizes talent over quantity – each song to date feeling personal, raw, and putting Eberle’s soft, if slightly caustic vocalizations on full display.
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Like any great songwriter, Eberle isn’t just a great singer, but a great storyteller, able to paint vivid pictures of heartbreak, rumination, and nostalgia in pieces calling to mind the likes of Diana Krall, or Neko Case. From a Distance continues in that tradition, edging between pop-rock and melodic ballad, deliberately rough around the edges yet juxtaposed with a smooth, clear sound especially enjoyable on a good pair of headphones.
Eberle benefits from collaboration with singer-songwriter, producer and cowriter Blake Stokes, along with songwriters Greer Baxter and Jake Wild to boot. The culmination of artistry involved with all the players has benefited Eberle’s production value immensely, helping him carve a path that adheres to certain, universally mandated techniques, yet without sacrificing unique sounds making him stand out in a crowd.
In an interview with Bold Magazine, Mr. Eberle had said, “Over the years, my musical journey has been one of exploration and growth. I have delved into multiple genres, experimented with different sounds, and released and unreleased numerous tracks as I searched for my sound. It’s been a journey filled with both triumphs and setbacks, but each step has been instrumental in shaping the artist I am today.”
This kind of sincere, personal conviction is on full display with the release of From a Distance, which eloquently paints the dissolution of a relationship and ensuing grief that comes from watching a loved one drift away. Whereas the concept of the bad breakup has been synonymous with pop since its beginnings, Eberle is able to inject a unique vulnerability into the lyrics that comes across as unabashedly earnest. “…I’m afraid to change and forget where we are,” he croons, “and I’m scared to face what’s coming next if it can’t compete with how I longed for you.” It’s the kind of unapologetically sanguine heartache that evokes, rather than reduces the song to an exercise in sentimentality. Like any great singer-songwriter, Mr. Eberle is able to make you think and feel without hesitation and without any sense of there being deliberation.
“Emotional authenticity is at the heart of my songwriting,” he has said in the interview. “By channeling personal experiences like bullying and my parents’ separation into my music, I’ve created songs that deeply resonate with listeners. Authenticity fosters a genuine connection with your audience. Write from the heart and don’t shy away from sharing your true emotions and experiences. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset as an artist.”
Garth Thomas