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Jake Minch’s newest work is not quite an EP, but also not a single. jessie is a collection of unfiltered contemplation being described as a “three song bundle” but without the joy. This young confessional singer-songwriter is taking reflection to new heights with a melancholy trilogy consisting of the title track, “just be ur friend,” and “drinking song.” After wrapping up a run of shows opening for fellow confessional songwriter Sadie Jean, Minch is treating fans new and old to an honest recollection of mental health struggles, friendship, and more in this special project.

The story starts with “jessie,” the title track with heavy subject matter relevant to everyone but specifically potent for younger generations. With society’s newfound openness concerning mental health, a song like “jessie” dives even deeper into what happens when resources and support still aren’t enough to help someone. Over a stripped-back, raw guitar and with a welcomed messiness in his delivery, Minch’s folk-inspired vocals evoke a novel perspective with a classic feel. He paints a picture of school kids intertwined into a devastating reality, while the song builds into fuller production mimicking the familiarity of a high school marching band. He sings of wanting to learn someone’s warning signs, trying to decode the inner workings of someone who probably doesn’t know what’s going on in their own head.

“just be ur friend” is a brutally truthful admission of love, but not in the form you’d expect. As Minch sings about missing a friend, a harrowing drowning organ creates the feeling of desperation echoed in his vocals. He describes the harsh reality that sometimes lovers should’ve stayed friends and mourns the untouched relationship they shared prior to taking things a step too far. The lyrics are straightforward yet powerful, stating “I wanna tell you I miss you and not mean it like that”—a simple way of showing that some webs are too hard to untangle.

The grand finale, “drinking song” brings back a classic, mellow guitar strum that inspires a glint of hope after two arduously beautiful tracks. Minch’s power lies in the rawness of his vocals. and in this track specifically, the cracks and imperfections contribute tenfold to the experience. With a gorgeous added saxophone and a welcomed build, “drinking song” ends on a high note of bittersweet reflection.

These three relatable tracks are heaven for fans of confessional indie folk and those who love to see dark themes transformed into something beautiful. Minch has a youth to his voice that adds a layer of context necessary for his honest songwriting. The jessie bundle is a journey from start to finish, and we can’t wait to see what’s next from this prolific artist.

Listen to jessie below: