7/10

On his fourth solo album Believe, Ehson Hashemian reveals a new chapter, a softer, more introspective side that feels like watching a sunrise slowly spill across a quiet landscape. Once known for propelling Young the Giant’s early bombast, the frontman has traded the anthemic choruses for something far more intimate and nuanced.

From the moment 'Accept' kicks off with its smooth, propulsive bass and a chorus that glows rather than explodes, it’s clear this album won’t follow a typical alt-rock script. Hashemian’s fingerprints are everywhere: layered guitars weaving in and out of dreamy synth textures, melodies that unfold at their own unhurried pace, and lyrics that feel like private journal entries finally shared with the world.

Much of 'Believe'’s beauty lies in its patience. There’s a gentle courage in the way Hashemian allows songs to breathe, resisting the temptation to build every moment into a dramatic peak. On some tracks, he leans into minimalism, letting delicate fingerpicking and hushed vocal harmonies do the heavy lifting. It’s a refreshing embrace of stillness in a world obsessed with instant gratification.

Clocking in at just under an hour, 'Believe' feels both concise and expansive. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, each time offering a new lyrical insight or a subtle instrumental detail you hadn’t caught before. Ultimately, the record feels like a quiet triumph for an artist who has found the bravery to let go of the noise and trust the power of gentle honesty. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a newcomer, this is an invitation into Ehson Hashemian’s world at its most unguarded and genuine, and it’s an invitation worth accepting.