Sure
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A folk duo from Worcester, Massachusetts, Ash & Eric were dealing with much uncertainly in 2020, and those challenges have been transformed into this DIY record that was recorded over 30 days in a music classroom at a boarding school.
“Until My Heart Grows Quiet” starts the listen with Ash’s lovely, poetic voice alongside Eric’s equally stirring pipes as soft acoustic guitar and Ethan Bates’ aching cello add much beauty, and “Do Something” follows with a breezy spirit of timeless folk melodies.
“Church Of The Concrete Wave” lands in the middle and places Eric’s eloquent voice front and center amid strategic acoustic guitar and light drumming, while “Simon, Taylor, Denver, Cash” takes nods to all of those legends with the gorgeous vocal harmonies radiating sublimely.
Nearing the end, “Never Walking Out” offers a scrappy folk tune with upbeat strumming, cozy singing and a bit of ruggedness to it, too, and “The Dogwood & I” exits the listen with much bare beauty and even dreamy flute thanks to Marie Brouillette.
Additionally, Peter L’Esperance contributes trumpet on the very cautious listen, as Ash & Eric birth some captivating modern folk that’s got plenty of soul to it.
Travels well with: Lydia Luce- Dark River; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter