NYC-based trio JENTL impress with a hooky, eclectic pop arsenal on their sophomore EP, People Change. Funky charisma, spacey electro-pop, and fun danceability are frequent elements across the dazzling production. The project is fronted by Darren Dominique Davis, joined by bassist Daniel Mehaffey and drummer Jimmy Arvan. The EP also features co-production from Dan Freeman, in addition to guitar work from Russell Graham (Chic, Dua Lipa). Omar Hakim worked with the band as a drum engineer for the EP, which also has a track featuring Chris Keating (formerly of Yeasayer).
“We Gotta Run” kicks off the EP with excitable, funk-ready briskness. The bouncy bass pulse and glistening guitar lines traverse into the “close your eyes,” vocal intrigue, settling into a dreamy electro-pop composure before a funky rhythmic re-energizing; the infectiousness is quickly evident, especially in the “love keeps us warm,” hook. “Nobody” follows with similar debonair captivation, featuring Keating and a compelling range from the “easy to quit,” electro-pop spaciousness to the “sleep good tonight,” anthemic escalation.
The EP’s six tracks prove especially consistent in their ability to build tactfully across a variety of pop realms. “My jeans are torn, but I feel fine,” Davis sings on “Crybaby,” admitting “no memory of this place,” during a savvy hook with illuminated synths crafting a nostalgic soundscape. The “help me help you,” ensuing effervescence is riveting. With its bustling percussion and slabs of guitar distortion, “The Imposter You Know” is another standout, showing JENTL as equally capable with a more rock-forward sound. People Change is a fantastic EP, impressing across its multitude of pop-forward productions.
