From the heart of Los Angeles comes J.S. Mahlon, weaving love and melancholy into a sweeping indie rock ballad with “How Could I Have Known”. The track, the latest from his upcoming album “Childhood“, is as much a celebration of connection as it is a showcase of the transformative power of music.
“How Could I Have Known” is one of those songs that seems to wrap itself around you like an old, familiar jacket. It combines the polished warmth of indie rock with touches of Americana and alternative rock reminiscent of artists like Bryan Adams or The War on Drugs. The atmosphere it creates is both reflective and hopeful—a tug-of-war between melancholy and positivity that feels perfectly suited to a twilight drive or a heartwarming cinematic moment.
Mahlon’s rich, emotive voice is the centerpiece, effortlessly relatable and carrying a comforting resonance that blooms in the track’s soaring chorus. It’s the kind of refrain that lingers, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every return. Add to this powerhouse drumming, blues-inflected basslines, and a droning synth undercurrent, and the result is a beautifully textured piece that invites repeated listens.
Inspired by the likes of Daniel Lanois (Joshua Tree), Springsteen (Tunnel of Love), and Dylan (Oh Mercy), “How Could I Have Known” captures an almost psychedelic euphoria within its introspective narrative. With its central message of love’s ability to lift us from our darkest moments, the song feels at once personal and universal. The lush reverse delay effects and intricate production lend it an almost cinematic quality, a sonic embodiment of catharsis and connection.
As the fourth single from “Childhood“, released December 13th, the track is a standout in an album already shaping up to be expansive in scope and ambition.
About J.S. Mahlon:
J.S. Mahlon is the project of Jake Schweitzer, a storyteller whose roots stretch from the open fields of Genoa, Illinois, to the creative pulse of East Los Angeles. From his minimalist beginnings on “All Across Town” to the ambitious textures of “Childhood“, Mahlon has proven himself a dynamic voice in indie rock, drawing comparisons to legends like Springsteen while carving out a sound uniquely his own. Now immersed in LA’s vibrant music scene, he’s continuing to push boundaries, crafting songs that are both deeply personal and widely resonant.