Joho Releases Tenth Album “numbness is exhausting”

Album Review by Sarah Hobson

Houston artist Joho released their tenth full length album earlier this spring, continuing their impressive and consistent output of new music since their debut record in 2019.

Joho's new album, "numbness is exhausting"

Joho began songwriting at six years old, sharing that music was always something that felt natural. “I was in choir from middle school through college, which helped me develop as a vocalist and understand music more deeply. After I finished my college football career, I started taking music more seriously and formed a collective called Echo Park with people I met online. We released a couple of projects together before I began focusing on solo work around 2019.”

He continues, “My introduction to the Houston scene was really organic. I started by sharing music with local artists, which turned into collaborations, going out to support their shows, and eventually performing myself. Over time, it became a real community through building relationships, working with people, and growing together.” Joho’s music spans a few different genres, including hip-hop, pop, R&B, and alternative rock. 

His new album, numbness is exhausting, features ten songs and explores themes of regret, miscommunication, longing, and love. “It came from a really difficult period in my life,” Joho said. “I experienced a lot of loss, in relationships, within my family, and in my day-to-day stability. I found myself trying to shut everything off just to function.”

Joho performing at Axelrad in Houston, TX

The first song of the project is “Because,” a reflective opener about regret and looking back on a relationship that’s ended—acknowledging the weight of what’s been lost. It pairs well with track two, “Sometimes,” which reflects on the ebb and flow of emotions after a breakup and feeling stuck within this rhythm. 

“Amore” offers a softer reflection on love and memory. “It explores how certain connections stay with you, even after they’ve changed,” adds Joho. This song is followed by two additional songs that dive into understanding the loss of a love and how to move on: “Sometimes.2” and “If You’re Alright (Dancin).”

Joho describes “Come See About Me” as a standout track. “It’s vulnerable but still carries a strong sense of rhythm and movement,” he adds. It’s followed by “It’s Your Fault,” “Valentine,” and “Pocket Holy Priest.”

The album closes with “Iron Giant,” which features Bel2014. “The closer and one of the most important songs on the album, it’s about holding onto love while letting go of attachment and accepting that something can still matter even if it’s no longer yours,” said Joho.

Joho performing at Houston Music Classifieds' March 2025 Song Swap

The project was produced by Joho and 4d3n, who also did the mixing and mastering. The album was created in isolation, influencing the stripped-back production and the black-and-white visual identity. 

Joho is already working on his next solo project, The Golden Repair, which builds on this album but moves in a more upbeat, forward-looking direction with a strong hip-hop influence. He’s also planning to release music with his band, Buff Speedy, later this year.

To keep up with Joho's future projects, you can follow him on Instagram @johomusic.