Southern California–based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ehson Hashemian creates music that merges vivid storytelling with a deeply introspective artistic voice. A founding member of The Jakes (now Young the Giant) and co-writer of their double-platinum hit “Cough Syrup,” Hashemian has since turned his focus to a prolific solo career, releasing Animation (2023), Face Shine (2024), Bliss (2025), and Believe (2025). His new album is called Me Then You.
Me Then You is an impressively substantial work. At a time when albums tend to shrink toward 20–30 minutes, Hashemian delivers a full, hour-long record that reflects on friendships and love.
The album opens with “Back Home”, a track built around a wonderfully executed, catchy guitar riff and warm rhythmic layers. Hashemian’s resonant baritone immediately stands out, evoking shades of one of my favourite records, 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields. The song grows mostly inward, without sharp turns, its sections distinguished by the vocal delivery – especially the chorus, where the voice lifts with greater instrumental force and brightened energy. Lyrically, it leans into an uplifting and optimistic tone.
“Everything” which follows, begins with another striking guitar line. In moments like these, Hashemian’s work recalls John Frusciante or even the Red Hot Chili Peppers – not through imitation but through similar guitar tones, textures, and the ability to build an entire song around a single, inventive riff. His deep voice again anchors the track beautifully, while the glimpses of his broader range add extra colour.
In the first half of the record, two tracks stand out for me: “I Wish,” carried by Hashemian’s hypnotic low register, and “Looking,” the album’s longest track. Playful, bright guitars drive the song, and it captures the overall spirit of the album – a relaxed, effortless, summery vibe. Even though I’m writing from a hotel room while heavy snow falls outside, the track transports me instantly to warm days by the water. The title track, “Me Then You,” continues this feeling with a faster pulse and an almost undeniable hit potential thanks to its boundless energy.
The second half brings some of the album’s more stylistically distinct moments. “Time Is Right” stands out with its world-music-tinged percussion and scattered effects that keep the listener engaged; it feels like a song you might stumble upon in a smoky, tucked-away club during a sweltering summer evening, its hypnotic atmosphere swirling around you. “When It’s Over” again channels a Magnetic Fields-like mood—this lower, intimate vocal style suits Hashemian particularly well and is one of the album’s most compelling textures.
The biggest surprise comes at the end with “You Got It”, a sudden dive into wild, almost ’80s-styled electronics. Despite the stylistic shift, it doesn’t break the album’s atmosphere; its choruses even evoke the more electronic era of Arcade Fire. I found myself wishing the album included even more tracks in this vein – the contrast is refreshing and highly effective.
Me Then You blends warm guitar-driven indie songwriting with introspective storytelling. The record feels relaxed, summery, and emotionally rich – a surprisingly cohesive journey that rewards attentive listening.
This album was discovered via Submit Hub
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