motel void

Ehson Hashemian is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Southern California. In July, Hashemian released his fourth record, Believe.

Right from the opener Accept, the album showcases its hit potential. A memorable, repetitive guitar hook runs through the track, accompanied by Hashemian’s warm, pleasant vocals that feel catchy and full of energy in the choruses.

A touch more upbeat is the title track Believe, which sounds like a musical cover version of the album artwork – as if you were suddenly transported into the shade of a California summer. The vocal delivery is occasionally raw and intentionally imperfect, which only adds to the authenticity.

Comes and Goes brings in a splash of electronics, driven by a bold riff. The vocals are tightly mixed and sit perfectly in the slightly dance-oriented arrangement, particularly in the lower register, where Hashemian’s voice blends effortlessly into the track.

From the first half of the hour-long album, Feel stands out with a world music vibe – sun-soaked guitar riffs, jazzy drums, and a laid-back groove that takes your mind on a ride through imaginary islands. What I personally enjoy most, however, are Hashemian’s dance-leaning tracks – like In The Open, carried by a bright, catchy guitar riff and a rhythm driven by sharp hi-hats.

It Is What It Is opens with a clean guitar sound that subtly recalls late-era Red Hot Chili Peppers – reminiscent of Dark Necessities. Then there’s Standing There, a dance track powered by its beat, radiating a love for music and creation without any sense of calculation.

Thinking About It features layered vocals and an earworm melody with a more melancholic undertone than earlier songs. Its danceability evokes some of Arcade Fire’s later albums. Given the album’s hour-long runtime, I could easily imagine future releases featuring more guest appearances – vocal or instrumental – to push the record even further.

The final track When It’s Time brings in a beautifully recorded acoustic guitar with a gentle riff, providing a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the album.

According to Hashemian, “The songs are meant to inspire and motivate the listener when feeling like you are stuck, and to help you escape into a more optimistic state that things will get better.” I believe that goal has been fully achieved — the entire record radiates a warm, uplifting energy.

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