Album Review: September Sky by Scott William Urquhart
There’s something about September Sky that feels like sitting by a crackling fire on a cool autumn evening. Released in 2016, this self-released gem from UK-based singer-songwriter Scott William Urquhart is steeped in raw folk vibes, with just enough grit to keep it real. It’s not perfect—heck, sometimes perfection feels kinda fake anyway—but it’s honest. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The album opens with “Down With Death,” and man, does it set the tone. It’s one of those tracks you can’t shake off easily. The melody is simple, almost haunting, but it digs into your soul like an old friend telling you hard truths over a pint. There’s no sugarcoating here; the lyrics are heavy, wrestling with mortality and loss. But instead of dragging you down, it leaves you feeling... lighter? Like someone finally said out loud what you’ve been too afraid to admit. You don’t forget songs like that.
Then there’s “Wren,” which hits different altogether. If “Down With Death” is introspective and shadowy, “Wren” is wide-open skies and fresh air. It’s got this lilting rhythm that feels like walking through dewy grass at dawn. I swear, every time I hear it, I picture some windswept Scottish moor—even though I’ve never even been to Scotland. Maybe it’s the way Urquhart lets his voice waver ever so slightly, or how the guitar seems to breathe alongside him. Whatever it is, it works.
Tracks like “September Sky” and “Drumochter Pass” round out the album nicely, painting vivid little snapshots of landscapes both physical and emotional. They’re quieter moments, maybe less memorable at first glance, but they add layers. Kinda like how the best conversations aren’t always the loudest ones—they’re the ones where you really listen.
What stays with me most about September Sky isn’t just the music itself—it’s the sense of space it creates. Listening to it feels like stepping away from the noise for a while, like finding a hidden corner of the world where everything slows down. And honestly? We could all use more of that these days.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: Scott didn’t drop this under some big flashy label. Nope, he did it himself. Makes you wonder—if more artists took risks like that, would music feel less... manufactured? Food for thought, eh?
