Will Ash Bears It All On His Sophomore Album, “october”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Coming from humble beginnings in Iowa, emerging folk-inspired artist, Will Ash, has recently caught my attention. The singer-songwriter is a multi-instrumentalist that has a knack for blending elements of different genres into one captivating sound. He is daring, captivating, and his sound is refreshing. Every time I listen to him, I feel as if time stops. In a time where most music feels like “copy & paste”, Ash continues to go against the grain and present his listeners with something that is authentic. That’s what makes him so special. He wears his heart on his sleeves, and he allows himself to fully immerse within the sonics of his music. His ability to capture his raw emotions and put them into a song makes him a rising star. Now, he enters our pages with his sophomore album, “October”.
“October” is like nothing I have heard as of late. Over 12 well-crafted songs, Ash bears it all, as he discusses the end of a tumultuous relationship. He dives into the hardships of letting go, the idea of feeling alone, and he shares a reflective look into what went wrong. Taking accountability for his own shortcomings, the album feels like a diary that is written specifically for his ex, and he doesn’t hold back. The album was written 2 weeks after a heartbreaking end to his 5-year relationship. Drawing influence from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Elliot Smith, and the more modern Gregory Alan Isakov, Ash’s vulnerability shines on the album.
“I’m sorry” was my personal favorite, and I felt like I connected with that song more than anything. The warmth in Ash’s vocals complimented the smooth acoustic guitar riffs. Laced with captivated melodies and harmonies, the song feels like a release. For me, this record is about taking accountability and letting go. It’s about unlocking your inner freedom by acknowledging your shortcomings. “I’m sorry” has become my late-night drive song the past couple of days. No matter if I’m happy or sad, every time I turn this song on, I feel optimistic even of the sonics may feel different. Although this was my absolute favorite, some other good records to check out from the album are “no turning back” & “Colorado”. Overall, this album deserves a listen. Will Ash has that “IT” factor.
