Rock/Review Ehson Hashemian - Me Then You

Southern California-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ehson Hashemian released his 14-track fifth solo album, "Me Then You." A founding member of The Jakes (now Young the Giant), Ehson co-wrote their double-platinum hit “Cough Syrup,” which reached #3 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Since launching his solo career, he has steadily released albums, including Animation (2023), Face Shine (2024), Bliss (2025), and Believe (2025), with "Me Then You" representing a new level of cohesion and storytelling.

Ehson Hashemian’s fifth solo album, “Me Then You,” arrives as his most expansive and unified artistic statement to date — a 14-track indie-rock journey guided by melodic warmth, atmospheric arrangements, and deeply human storytelling. Known as a founding member of The Jakes — the early incarnation of Young the Giant — and co-writer of the multi-platinum hit “Cough Syrup,” Hashemian brings that same talent for emotional resonance into a more introspective, dream-laden world.

What distinguishes “Me Then You” from his recent releases (Animation, Face Shine, Bliss, Believe) is its intentional structure. Crafted as a concept album, it follows a thematic arc rooted in longing: for connection, for compassion, and for a world less fractured by judgment and hostility. The production leans into shimmering guitar tones, airy synth layers, and reverberant vocals — creating the sensation of drifting through memories, heartaches, and hopeful imaginings.

Across the record, Hashemian explores relationships not just as romantic narratives, but as vital forms of survival and belonging. There’s a tenderness to his songwriting — soft-spoken but firm in its belief that love is a force worth fighting for.

The lead single, “You Got It,” adds a welcome contrast with its upbeat electronic edge, offering a moment of celebration within the album’s reflective landscape. It hints at Hashemian’s continued evolution — unafraid to experiment while staying grounded in heartfelt emotion.

“Me Then You” is an album that invites you to listen closely. It rewards that attention with sincerity, cohesion, and the reminder that healing begins with understanding ourselves — and then each other.