Live Review: Brooklyn’s JNTHN STEIN has released a deftly crafted debut EP, ‘Changes’

Brooklyn-based producer and multi-instrumentalist JNTHN STEIN has just dropped his debut EP Changes via Aussie label etcetc. The three track release features a guest appearance from English artist BXRBER on stand out ‘Silvertown’, but is otherwise wholly written, played, recorded and produced by STEIN himself. As an ambassador for Ableton and founding member of production collective Team Supreme, which features other notable members in Mr Carmack and Djemba Djemba, you’d expect some serious production chops from JNTHN STEIN. On Changes, he delivers.

It’s no surprise to learn STEIN is classically trained, nor that he draws from clear inspiration in jazz and hip-hop. You can hear an obvious understanding of the subtleties of writing and arranging tracks that ooze good vibes, particularly in the delicate and refined piano lines across the EP. But there’s much, much more to STEIN’s production, layer upon layer of thick synths, guitar that hovers somewhere between rock and soul, and quirky samples that seperate this EP from the pack. But honestly, it’s the percussion that’s the real MVP, bringing an electronic edge to some otherwise smooth and soulful tracks.

‘Silvertown’ in particular is immediately accessible, falling more towards R’n’B or pop than the rest of the EP but retaining the groove and bite created across the opening tracks. ‘Cmprssn’ keeps the soulful vibe alive across surging synths, and while on title track, ‘Changes’, there isn’t much going on lyrically, the powerful drums and not-quite-future-bass synth work make up for it.

Changes is a solid debut effort from JNTHN STEIN. There’s room for improvement lyrics-wise, but his excellent production skills are undeniable. These tracks will fit beautifully into that late-night chill playlist of yours, and we can’t wait for more!

Words by Ted Dwyer

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