Music review: Noah Kahan's new album “The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs”
Noah Kahan has returned to solidify his place as a household name, writes Music News Blitz’s Harry Perdios.
There’s something special about music that transports you to a certain place in time, whether it’s a small wooden cottage on a cold December morning or an aeroplane 35,000 feet in the air.
The 29-year-old singer-songwriter does just that with each one of his songs.
From rising to fame in 2022 with the folk-pop song ‘Stick Season’, Kahan continues to leave a lasting impact not only on the music industry but on the millions of listeners seeking an escape from the mundanity of everyday life.
Viral success
After receiving two Grammy nominations, Kahan is now reaching further viral success with his latest album, ‘The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs’.
Released on April 24 2026, ‘The Great Divide’ initially included 17 tracks, with a surprise extended release on the same day, offering an additional four tracks.
Through Kahan’s unique folk pop flair, each track embodies the perspective of his deepest thoughts and experiences.
The soft acoustic melodies create a comforting warmth above the harsh authenticity of the lyrics.
As every song on the album concludes, the feeling of tracing Kahan’s life becomes more apparent, summoning a blur between nostalgia and the quiet reflection of what could’ve been.
Instrumental expression
The album opens with ‘End of August’, a soft acoustic ballad that sets the instrumental expression of the album.
Detailing the harsh realities of seasonal depression, the song reminds listeners of the transition of vibrant summers to the ordinary and routine of winter.
Within the song, Kahan expresses, “Endin’ of August, the bugs are just starting to die”, a brutal echo that change is imminent and nothing lasts forever.
From this moment on, the album overlaps themes, a creative intention to symbolise how nothing in life is straightforward.
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Moments captured
Motifs of loss are engraved in each track, proving the loneliest of moments can stem from the happiest of opportunities, which Kahan successfully captures.
He recognises having to leave behind friends and his small Vermont hometown, resulting in an everlasting feeling of guilt in the process.
During the song ‘All them horses’, Kahan conveys his guilt of not being present in his hometown during the 2023 Vermont Floods.
“A sidewalk preacher with a record deal” highlights his shame of not being alongside his community during their time of trauma and loss.
Kahan goes on to discuss the mental and physical impacts the music industry has had on him.
Themes of addiction are apparent across the album, with songs such as ‘Orbiter’ and ‘Porchlight’ being written from his parents’ perspective.
During ‘Porchlight’, Kahan articulates, “Tattooed your initials into my right arm so I'd see your name when I lift up a drink”, emphasising the impact his addictions have had on himself and the people around him.
Family struggles
Family struggles are not shied away from within the album. ‘Willing and able’ delves into Kahan’s current relationship with his siblings and how his family’s closeness has changed due to his fame.
During ‘Spoiled’, he reflects on the generational cycle of childhood trauma and then growing up to be like his turbulent parents.
In this song, he urges himself to be the change in this dynamic to create the best life for his children.
The album concludes with ‘Dan’, a touching tribute to Kahan’s real-life best friend and the authentic bond they share.
The album has charted number 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart Top 100.
Kahan is set to begin his The Great Divide World Tour on June 11 2026, spanning seven months and 52 shows, including two sold-out nights at the O2 in London between November 13 and 14 2026.
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