Jacob Freddy is the solo home-recording project of New York-based talent Jacob Frericks. I was already impressed by his 2024 debut From a Quiet Aliso Viejo Wasteland, but after a few spins, the follow-up Sports Announcer might be even stronger.

The album blends indie rock and power pop in subtle and satisfying ways. Opener I Don’t Want To Know starts soft but gradually opens up, evoking the charm of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin—whether by influence or coincidence. On jangly standout If Only and the hushed Point of View, you can hear echoes of Alex Chilton and Teenage Fanclub. The latter also comes to mind on tracks like From the Start and All I Can Do as well.

Jacob Freddy fits comfortably alongside contemporary bands like Hurry and 2nd Grade—artists who approach guitar pop with an ear for melody and a knack for understated brilliance. It’s a great time for finely crafted, heartfelt tunes like that, and Sports Announcer is a worthy addition to the canon. It is out today on Tape.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp