Soulful

Buffalo-based singer-songwriter James Froese is back with his second album, The Changing Tide, with his band, Hello London and it’s a deeply introspective journey that blends subtle emo-tinged melodies. The album’s sets the tone with its moody yet calming vibe—think Jimmy Eat World with a quieter edge.

With 10 tracks that mix alternative punk influences and introspective lyricism, Froese weaves a story of personal growth, emotional vulnerability, and the search for hope amidst life’s messiness. Songs like “Spark” and “A Little Faith” showcase Froese’s knack for creating raw, honest lyrics, but it’s the atmosphere he builds around them that sets the record apart. There’s a quiet intensity in every note, a sense of internal struggle that feels both unique and universal.

“Spark” captures the feeling of being at a crossroads, stuck between two versions of yourself, wondering if a single moment could light the way forward. Froese sings, “They say it takes a spark to turn into a blaze, and if we’re in the dark, I’ll light the match so we can see the way into the light.” It’s a striking metaphor for finding your path when it all feels uncertain, and it’s delivered with a kind of hopeful resignation that sticks with you.

Then there’s “A Little Faith,” which digs into the emotional and mental weight of waiting—waiting for a sign, waiting for something to change. “I can’t believe it, there’s nothing out there / I won’t be sold yet / There’s nothing to fear,” Froese sings, hinting at the existential crisis we all go through when the world feels like it’s standing still. This track speaks to anyone who’s ever had to trust in something intangible, in the belief that maybe, just maybe, everything will work out if you keep pushing forward.

The arrangements are soft, occasionally stripped down to just acoustic guitar, with gentle percussion that never overwhelms the song’s emotional core. This approach allows his lyrics to take center stage and breathe, giving listeners the space to truly feel what Froese is laying down.

Whether you’re driving down a long road or staring out the window wondering what comes next, Froese’s songs are here to remind you that even the darkest nights can lead to something beautiful.

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