Away

Away marks a pivotal transition for Will Sheff, effectively serving as a solo album under the Okkervil River moniker. Following the death of his grandfather and the dissolution of the band's long-standing lineup, Sheff retreated to the Catskills to record with a group of jazz-leaning session musicians, including members of the ensemble yMusic. This shift in personnel fundamentally altered the sonic DNA of the project, moving away from the 'trembling heart' indie rock of The Silver Gymnasium toward a more fluid, improvisational, and folk-oriented sound. The album is characterized by its extended song lengths and woodwind-heavy arrangements, which provide a somber, sophisticated backdrop for Sheff's most personal and mortality-focused lyrics to date. Critics noted the album's departure from the band's signature explosive dynamics, praising its newfound maturity and the bravery of its vulnerability. It stands as a quiet masterpiece of 'late-period' indie folk, prioritizing atmosphere and narrative depth over radio-friendly hooks.