Folk Duo Album Review: Ash & Eric – Sure

Ash & Eric’s Sure is one of those rare albums that quietly sneaks up on you, only to leave a lasting impression long after the final note fades. At its core, this album is a deeply personal and heartfelt journey, rooted in folk and Americana, but with a modern sensibility that makes it feel fresh and relevant. With lush harmonies, intimate storytelling, and thoughtful instrumentation, Ash & Eric have created a record that feels like a conversation between friends—one full of vulnerability, hope, and raw emotion.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the honesty in their songwriting. Sure isn’t just a collection of songs; it feels like a reflection of real life—full of moments of uncertainty, growth, and quiet triumphs. Tracks like “Autumn Hymn” and “In My Head” are perfect examples of how Ash & Eric craft lyrics that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. They don’t shy away from exploring the complexities of our human emotions, and there’s a richness to their writing that makes you lean in and listen closely.

Harmonies are at the heart of what makes this album so compelling. Ash & Eric’s voices blend beautifully, creating a kind of effortless warmth that pulls you in from the first track. On songs like “Sure” and “Until My Heart Grows Quiet,” the duo’s harmonies elevate the emotional weight of their lyrics, giving the music a sense of depth and intimacy. It’s clear that these two have a natural chemistry—both musically and emotionally—and that connection shines through in every song.

Instrumentally, Sure strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The arrangements are understated, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage, but there’s a depth to the instrumentation that enhances the overall mood of the album. Of course I love the track “Simon, Taylor, Denver, Cash,” since I love asking artists about their musical influences. I would venture to guess most people reading this review are familiar with all four of these artists and the legacy they left for this style of music.

What sets Sure apart, though, is its emotional honesty. There’s a rawness here that feels incredibly refreshing in a world that often values polish over authenticity. Ash & Eric aren’t afraid to sit with the tough questions or the quiet moments, and that willingness to be vulnerable is what makes this album so powerful. Tracks like “Church of the Concrete Wave” and “Autumn Hymn” explore the tension between doubt and faith, between fear and love, and the result is an album that feels like a cathartic release—both for the artists and the listener. There’s a purity to the sound that reminds me of artists like The Milk Carton Kids or Gregory Alan Isakov—where less is truly more.

At the heart of Sure is a message of hope. Even in its most introspective moments, there’s a sense of resilience that runs through the album. Ash & Eric manage to take the struggles of everyday life and transform them into something beautiful and meaningful. It’s an album that acknowledges the uncertainty of the human experience but ultimately lands in a place of quiet assurance.

Sure is a record that will resonate with fans of contemporary folk, Americana, and singer-songwriter traditions. It’s an album that invites you to sit with it, to listen closely, and to find solace in its stories. Ash & Eric have crafted something truly special here—a collection of songs that feels like a heartfelt conversation, full of vulnerability, hope, and, most importantly, authenticity.


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