Sarah Larkin, an indie-folk artist hailing from Portland, Oregon, has delivered an emotional tour de force with her second album, Golden Hours. This sophomore effort blends intricate acoustic arrangements with deeply personal lyrics, capturing themes of reflection, nature, and personal growth. The result is a collection of songs that not only showcase her evolving musical abilities but also resonate profoundly with listeners seeking solace and connection in 2025.
A Journey of Growth and Reflection
Since her debut album, Larkin has been a rising star in the indie-folk scene. However, Golden Hours marks a significant leap in both maturity and musical ambition. Where her debut was introspective and raw, this album feels like a more expansive journey—one that invites listeners to reflect on the passage of time, the fleeting beauty of nature, and the delicate complexities of personal transformation.
Released on March 3, 2025, Golden Hours is already garnering critical acclaim for its sophisticated soundscapes and rich, layered production. The album’s title evokes imagery of soft, fading light—the kind that signals both endings and new beginnings. As Larkin’s lyrics often hint at the inevitability of change, the music envelops this theme with graceful melodies that shift between melancholy and hope.
Poignant Lyricism and Lush Soundscapes
From the album’s opening track, “Beneath the Quiet Skies,” Larkin’s lyrical prowess is immediately evident. Her voice—soft yet commanding—flows effortlessly over delicate guitar plucks and subtle string arrangements. “Beneath the quiet skies, we find ourselves / Where all the answers lie within the stillness of the land,” she sings, setting the tone for a record steeped in introspection and nature’s timeless beauty.
But Golden Hours isn’t just a singer-songwriter album—it is a carefully constructed tapestry of instruments that highlight Larkin’s growth as an arranger. With lush orchestration that includes violin, cello, and even light piano, she draws on folk traditions while weaving in a more cinematic approach. “Echoes of the Past,” for instance, is a haunting ballad that builds gradually from a single guitar line to a full string section, creating a sense of emotional depth that resonates with listeners on a visceral level.
A Sound that Reflects Personal Transformation
Larkin’s evolution as an artist is evident not just in her songwriting, but in the diversity of sounds that fill Golden Hours. Tracks like “Whispers in the Wind” show her affinity for blending folk roots with more modern influences, incorporating atmospheric synths and layered percussion, creating a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality. It’s clear Larkin is not afraid to experiment with sound, even as she stays grounded in her folk sensibilities.
The more up-tempo “Sailing Through the Storm” offers a sense of optimism amidst darker times, with a driving rhythm and an infectious chorus that encourages listeners to keep pushing forward. It’s a track that stands as a testament to Larkin’s ability to balance somber reflections with moments of uplifting resolve, showing that her journey of growth is filled with both struggle and triumph.
Themes of Nature, Change, and Resilience
The album’s connection to nature is impossible to ignore, with many of the tracks touching on the beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. In “Wings of the Night,” Larkin evokes the imagery of birds taking flight under a moonlit sky, symbolizing freedom and the courage to embrace new beginnings. This is a recurring theme throughout Golden Hours, where nature serves not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the narrative.
In interviews leading up to the album’s release, Larkin shared that her time spent hiking in the Pacific Northwest influenced many of the album’s themes. “I spent a lot of time in nature while writing these songs,” she explained. “There’s something about being surrounded by something so much older and wiser than you that makes you feel connected, grounded, and also small. It’s humbling.”
In this respect, the album is not just a personal journey, but an invitation for listeners to reconnect with their own sense of resilience. The songs express a universal longing for both inner peace and external connection—whether it’s with the earth, other people, or one’s own sense of purpose.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
Since its release, Golden Hours has quickly earned a place on many critics’ best-of lists for 2025. Music outlets like Rolling Stone and NPR Music have praised the album for its vulnerability and sophisticated craftsmanship. Rolling Stone called it “an album that combines folk’s timeless simplicity with an expansiveness that feels almost cinematic in scope,” while NPR described it as “a stunning exploration of life’s quiet moments, captured in sound.”
Listeners, too, have responded enthusiastically, with fans flooding social media with their personal stories about how the album has resonated with them. One fan shared on Twitter: “Golden Hours made me realize how much I needed to stop rushing through life and start appreciating the moments, the quiet spaces, and the changing seasons.”
Many have also praised the album for its therapeutic quality. “It’s like Sarah is singing the words I needed to hear right now,” another listener shared on Instagram, accompanying a photo of the album cover set against a scenic mountain backdrop.
Future Prospects and Tour Plans
With Golden Hours already proving to be a breakout success, Sarah Larkin is gearing up for a nationwide tour. The artist has hinted that the tour will include intimate, unplugged performances as well as full-band shows, giving fans the chance to experience the album both in its rawest form and in its fully realized arrangement.
Fans can expect to hear not only songs from Golden Hours but also a mix of older tracks, as Larkin’s evolving sound continues to captivate a growing audience. Whether performing in small venues or larger theaters, Larkin’s connection to her audience promises to remain personal and deeply felt.
Looking Ahead
Golden Hours is a record that offers much more than a collection of songs—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of life’s quieter moments. With this album, Sarah Larkin firmly cements herself as one of the most exciting voices in indie-folk today. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Golden Hours stands as a shining testament to the power of music as a tool for personal growth, healing, and transformation.
With the momentum from this album, it seems likely that Sarah Larkin’s star will continue to rise in 2025 and beyond, cementing her place among the indie-folk greats.