Olly Williams’s latest folk rock track, ‘Candles Turned to Ash’ is a tearful remembrance of a loved one lost but not forgotten.

The British singer/songwriter Olly Williams spins an engaging, emotionally deep yarn in his deep, grand tenor along to sublime folk rock arrangements. Think Elvis meets Nick Cave. Olly, who started his musical journey busking, now commands our attention with his honest songwriting and deep reflective lyrics, an ode to the pain of remembering the good times in their absence, now only left with regrets, what-ifs & memories.

The track opens onto stirring minor strums, immediately evoking a somber vibe. Enter Olly’s magnificent tenor, crooning sincerely in reflection of what he could have said and done. The tone is one of genuine remorse and sadness, an honest self-examination of his errant ways that he blames for this heartbreak.

The verse trots along patiently along his theatrical, emotional prose, building nicely through the bridge. The lyrics emphasize the pain and acceptance of moving on from such a heartbreak with lines such as ‘Now our candles have turned to ash, for a better man to ignite’. Olly’s narration-style lyrics, creating compelling visual imagery of times spent together, make this feel likes its directly addressed to the person he’s had to let go.

Musically, the track blends Americana & Folk rock really well, moving from gentle acoustic strums to full-bodied soft rock arrangments. Past the three-minute mark, Olly’s tone changes to one of resignation and utter acceptance that they no longer care. This flows into a piercing guitar solo, perhaps to highlight that intense moment of release when you’ve finally moved on.

The final verse, weary and grand, signifies the track’s colorful finish. Olly truly establishes himself in ‘Candles Turned to Ash’, rising from being an Elvis cover act to claiming his artistic power, balancing intensity and precision remarkably well.

Follow Olly’s artistic journey through his links below: