New England-born, Northern California-based artist, Charlie Bishop’s self-titled EP, Charlie Bishop(EP), offers a heartfelt journey through folk and rock, blending honest storytelling with a touch of country humility.
Recorded in Cambridge, MA, Charlie Bishop(EP) opens with “Leaving Home,” a poignant ode to embarking on new adventures and leaving behind the comfort of familiarity. With strumming guitars and introspective lyrics, Bishop depicts growth and self-discovery against the backdrop of his hometown.
“Wide Awake” follows suit, celebrating the light that a partner brings into one’s life with their reassuring presence. Understandably so, as he sings, “your eyes can make these thoughts all disappear.” And in the chorus, he culminates his partner’s stabilizing effect, waking him “wide awake” when he’s with them.
In “If Time Was a River,” Bishop reflects on the passage of time with a poetic grace and slow simplicity, infusing nature-inspired imagery with the inevitability of change. I found this track as a conceptual prelude to the next track, “For Grandpa John.” Here, Bishop pays homage to the memories of a beloved grandfather, intertwining personal anecdotes with the enduring presence of nature. In the scrapbooks, in the snow, and veining like the saps in trees and within his own blood, Bishop honors the legacy of his grandfather with heartfelt reverence.
Closing Charlie Bishop(EP) is the acoustic bonus track, “Till I Know My Name,” a soul-searching anthem about self-discovery and reclaiming one’s identity. Against a backdrop of autumn leaves and celestial signs, Bishop navigates the complexities of existence with resilience and determination.
As Bishop celebrates his roots, appreciates love and embraces new beginnings, Charlie Bishop(EP) invites listeners to the singer’s authentic way of life.
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Review By: Naomi Joan