Will Ash, a musician based in Los Angeles from Coralville, Iowa, has extensive experience in the music world. His skills span multiple genres. He has toured with his metal rock band The Crown Remnant, and performed in various genres from folk and jazz to metal and punk rock. This versatility allows Will Ash to express his emotions through any genre and instrument. His second full-length album “october,” inspired by folk music, stands out as a candid admission of his deepest fears and losses. The creation of “october” occurred during a profound personal crisis. Each track was written just two weeks after a breakup, lending the album a particular urgency. The original vocal and guitar recordings, made in the first days after the breakup, were left unchanged.

photo by @officialwillash

Will Ash went through a period of self-teaching, mastering the violin, banjo, and other acoustic instruments he had not previously played. This added layers and diversity to the sound of “october.” Will Ash’s instrumental prowess, combined with heart-wrenching lyrics, creates a range of emotions—from pain and disillusionment to moments of peaceful acceptance and reflection on what has happened.

One of my main fascinations, let’s call it that, is album covers. There’s something deeply personal about an artist not only putting sounds into an album, but also creating a visual sequence that sets the tone for the entire album. In the case of “october,” it’s emotions poured onto cardboard, raw and honest like the first autumn rain. The cover features an old globe, faded roses, and inscrutable vases, among which hides a gently pink light, as if from a tiny candle. It feels like they are waiting for you to touch them, to revive memories of days that will never return, but also never truly leave.

The album contains 12 tracks, and in each one, Will Ash reveals his vulnerability. The first track, “day of change,” is a slow piano ballad with soulful and commercial vocals by Will. Its stylish, light pop performance, complete with bright backing vocals and unexpected harmonies, makes the sound both intimate and tearful at the same time. This feeling, born in the first track, will be central throughout the release. Then, in “me and you,” a bright rhythm, catchy guitars, and Will Ash’s tender vocals convey a sense of light hope. It’s a very gentle and summery track where everyone can find something to their taste, from stylish lyrics to quality sound. From track to track, emotions swing and change, as if memories and his attitudes towards various actions are shifting.

photo by @officialwillash

“no turning back” once again literally plunges into a slow, melancholic sound. This hazy track with Will Ash’s expansive vocals conjures up images of an approaching night in the twilight haze. The plea in Will Ash’s voice makes this track stand out and fully captures the attention. Flawlessly executed. I like how “the old me” achieves a chamber atmosphere through perfect minimalism with a light guitar and expansive vocals. The complex performance, excellent lyrics, and passionate vocal delivery with bluesy hooks add a spark to the sound. This is one of my favorite tracks.

In “colorado,” there’s an atmosphere of travel and moving forward. The melancholic vocals and richly instrumented arrangement create a compelling story that beckons to be replayed. As the album approaches its conclusion, it feels as though the atmosphere intensifies and all the emotions are ready to burst forth any moment.

And of course, “october,” the central and strongest track on the album. Its tender sound, swaying rhythm, and deliberate, unhurried execution touch the deepest emotions. It feels as though each beat conveys pain and alongside it, a palpable sense of longing. While the final track, “time may tell,” shifts to a faster and freer rhythm and a lighter style of performance. This bright conclusion to the album seems to suggest to the listener that ahead lies only light, and hope in this track shines the brightest.

For anyone who digs music that actually means something, take a swing at ‘october’ by Will Ash. It’s like a journey through a rich landscape of folk tunes, where every song packs a sincere punch about letting go and finding yourself. It’s like a slice of life, wrapped up in melodies that hit you where it matters. This album is transformative—every listen peels back a new layer, revealing truths and insights that stick with you. It’s the kind of thing you keep coming back to, discovering more each time. Not just music, but a mirror to the soul, asking you to listen, really listen.

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub