Learning To Love
Empire, 2025
9/10
This major label debut from the pop duo Jake & Shelby surrounds the many aspects of love, where the pair deliver like seasoned vets with plenty of harmonies and rhythm intact.
Shelby’s warm voice starts with “Loophole”, as Jake’s fluid guitar and Aksel Cole’s punchy drums complement the melodies, and “mhm” follows with Micah Tawlks’ flowing bass that suits the breeziness of the dreamy climate.
Closer to the middle, the scrappy drumming and cozy guitar of “Shut Up And Kiss Me” makes great use of Josh Ronen’s synth, while “You” is a more intimate moment of poetic singing and Kevin Ray Lawson’s heartfelt bass and melodica via the romantic spirit.
“Anymore” and “Falling Out Of Love” exit the listen. The former lands in a haze of beauty and recruits atmospheric pads from Hunter Metts, and the latter allows for Shelby’s touching voice to glide alongside Henry Hafner’s graceful strings.
Both Jake and Shelby are multi-instrumentalists, and if they aren’t household names by this time next year I’ll be surprised, cause their earworm pop, emotive presence and relatable musings on love won’t take long to become smitten with.
Travels well with: Niia- V; Pleasure Pill- Hang A Star