Hello London is the solo project of James Froese, a talented songwriter and performer from Buffalo. Since its inception in 2021, the project quickly gained the attention of listeners, releasing three EPs and two full-length albums, each highlighting Froese’s individuality. His music blends emo, indie rock, and alternative sounds, giving his works a distinct mood – ranging from sincere melancholy to energetic bursts. James grinds in the studio and tears it up on stage, opening for bands like Sincere Engineer, Covey, and Canetis. That kind of hustle has built him a solid rep as an artist who knows how to keep a crowd locked in.

In 2024, Hello London released the album “The Changing Tide,” which vividly expresses Froese’s musical influences. The album incorporates elements of emo bands like Jimmy Eat World and The Starting Line, while still maintaining the author’s distinctive style. The listener is offered 10 tracks that combine both poetic, introspective moments and powerful, energetic melodies that perfectly convey the atmosphere of change, the struggle with inner conflicts, and the search for new paths in life.

At the beginning, I would like to focus on the opening track “The World is Wrong,” filled with longing for a former lover. The clear groove of the guitar, soft drums, and James’s rough vocals convey nostalgia, reflections on the past, and overcoming life’s uncertainties. The imagery and themes express a bittersweet feeling, where memories of youth and love intertwine with the realization that life is constantly changing.

The search for a new life path is encapsulated in the melodies and lyrics of the track “All I Want is a Road to Take.” The song speaks of the feeling of being lost and the heaviness of emotional struggles, conveyed through sharp guitars and dense drums. The lyrics express a desire to escape pain and longing for peace. The idea of rising after a fall reflects the constant battle to move forward, even when every day feels like an endless challenge.

On the track “A Change of Pace,” the mood shifts to a more energetic one. The melodies hum, and James’s vocals become sharper. In the song, he explores the idea of survival through change, navigating the complexities of life, and seeking meaning amidst the shifting tides of existence. All the songs on the album deserve attention, but my favorites became the title track “The Changing Tide” and “Volcano.” “The Changing Tide” caught my attention with its crystal-clear transparency and piercing lyrics. The sea and tide metaphors used by the author emphasize the natural course of life and the need to find balance amidst chaos. “Volcano” is interesting due to its rhythm shift; the melancholic intro turns into intense and sharp melodies. And the hard-rock scream at the end expresses suppressed emotions and an eruption of feelings when the conflict reaches its critical point.

I would also like to highlight the track “Am I Wrong.” The dreamy, sparkling interpretation of the song “Am I Wrong” by Love Spit Love from 1994 shimmers with synth sounds, airy acoustics, and a tender vocal. In this cover version, filled with emotional transitions, the focus is not so much on the words as it is on how James sings them. The story of longing, which, despite its restraint, touches deeply.

Throughout the entire album, through metaphors, the protagonist goes through a journey of doubt and search, provoking questions about the meaning of life and truth. Each song is a step through the fog of disappointment and the heaviness of trials. He is uncertain, lost, but at the same time desperately reaching for signs – even if they are barely noticeable – trying to guide him on a path where clarity and meaning might be found.

The songs sound like multi-layered fragments, where images blend into the general flow of uncertainty. But in the final track “Wait Here Forever,” a turning point comes. Everything that had bound him – the “anchor” and “burden” – is thrown off. And in this act of liberation, a powerful transformation occurs: fears disperse, doubts disappear, and with them, self-belief comes, everything that was lost finds its place. The theme of searching for meaning and overcoming inner chaos reaches its final harmony in this song.

Technology allows musicians to work alone, hidden behind screens and studio walls. More and more, we hear about artists creating in isolation, in their own sound laboratories, where every note is born in silence. Some stay in the shadows, while others turn solitude into something greater, something meaningful. James Froese and Hello London are among them. The Changing Tide is an album that traces the journey from loneliness to self-belief and trust in the world around us. For those ready for change. Don’t wait for the moment – start now.

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