EP Review: BabyJake – 'Don’t give me problems, give me wine'

Every summer deserves a soundtrack, something that makes the sun shine a little brighter and turns a rainy day the most romantic scenery. Cue US singer songwriter Jake Herring, aka BabyJake’s debut EP ‘Don’t give me problems, give me wine’.

‘Don’t give me problems, give me wine’ is easy, carefree, the kind of friend that lives in the moment. BabyJake effortlessly switches between genres and moods to create something fluid and exciting. From gentle, blues-infused opener ‘Blue Cellophane’ over the groovy genius of ‘MadHappySad’ to spoken word interlude (Consumption) (Addiction), this EP keeps you on your toes in the best way possible. “My head is in the clouds, don’t feel like coming down. I’m trying to escape my sorrows” Jake sings on ‘Head in The Clouds’, a sunny rhythm-led track about the darkest times of depression, and he has created a piece of music that perfectly lends itself to escapism. With soaring melodies and instantly infectious percussions, ‘Don’t give me problems, give me wine’ raises vibrations by simply existing.  “[This EP] is a special project for me,“ Jake reveals. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve really felt like the songs all make sense and have a genuine feeling. It took me awhile to figure out who I was as an artist, and this project fully embodies that.” 

‘Don’t give me problems, give me wine’ speaks volumes about Jake’s ability to craft rich, immersive soundscapes and fill them with the kind of poignant lyricism that makes you want to keep listening forever. Pair that with gorgeously emotive vocals, and you have yourself a winner. The award for best summer debut goes to … BabyJake.

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven

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