Hello London’s “The Shoreline Sessions” Is a Masterclass in Acoustic Storytelling—And It’s Almost Here

Every once in a while, an album sneaks up on you—quiet, unassuming, and then suddenly, it’s the only thing you want to listen to. That’s exactly the kind of magic Hello London captures on The Shoreline Sessions, the upcoming acoustic offering from Buffalo’s own James Froese. Set to drop on May 9th, this record isn’t just another collection of stripped-down songs—it’s a soul-baring, heart-wrenching and a transcending experience.

For those who’ve followed Froese’s journey from his earlier band days with The Traditional and West Ferry, Hello London has always felt like a homecoming—a place where he gets to be fully, authentically himself. Since launching the project in 2021, Froese has been quietly building something special: three EPs, two full-length albums, and a growing cult following drawn to his deeply personal songwriting and raw honesty. With past releases like The Changing Tide, a 2024 gem influenced by the emotional weight of bands like Jimmy Eat World and The Starting Line, Froese has proven he can craft full-bodied records steeped in nostalgia and emotion. But The Shoreline Sessions? It’s on a whole other level.

We were lucky enough to get an early listen—and trust us when we say: this one hits.

The album is acoustic in the purest sense, with Froese’s voice and guitar doing all the heavy lifting. But make no mistake—“simple” doesn’t mean lacking. In fact, it’s the simplicity that makes this album so undeniably powerful. There’s a sort of sacred space created in the quiet—one where every lyric cuts a little deeper, every chord rings a little longer, and every story feels like it’s being whispered directly into your ear. You can feel the shoreline in the background—the crashing waves of past heartbreak, the slow drift of time, and the horizon stretching out with hope and hurt in equal measure.

One standout track that we can’t stop playing is “Volcano.” It’s a slow burn that builds with such emotional intensity, you might find yourself holding your breath by the time it crests. Froese’s storytelling here is top tier—intimate, vulnerable, and just on the edge of eruption (pun intended). It's the kind of song you play on repeat, discovering new emotional layers each time. It’s a testament to Hello London’s gift: the ability to turn pain into poetry, and melody into something transcendent.

There’s something deeply timeless about The Shoreline Sessions. It’s not trying to chase trends or fit into a playlist algorithm. It simply is—real, raw, and beautiful in its bare-boned honesty. Froese isn't hiding behind walls of sound or overproduction. He’s sitting with us, guitar in hand, telling stories the only way he knows how—straight from the heart.

So mark your calendars for May 9th, because this is one release you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Hello London for the first time, The Shoreline Sessions will remind you of the power of simplicity, the weight of well-crafted words, and the magic that happens when an artist truly lets go.

James Froese may be known for walking Buffalo’s cold streets, but with The Shoreline Sessions, Hello London is about to set the world on fire. Keep your eyes on him. This is just the beginning.

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