While a lot of people might not know DJ Scientist by name, I’m sure many more are familiar with Ceschi’s The One Man Band Broke Up, which Scientist produced. This EP marks his first solo release since 2006, so it’s been a little while since he’s put anything out under his own name. It’s a short release, with four songs and two sketches, but Scientist manages to cover a lot of territory and blend plenty of genres.

On the opening track, “Pronouncement/Vision,” it becomes apparent quite quickly that this won’t be a traditional hip hop release, as guitars, strings, and keyboards build a slow tension as an old recording plays a voice speaking on the progress of science. As this builds to a climax, the song breaks into a big drum beat with frantic piano played over a menacing cello line. Scientist then starts bringing in keyboards over the top, creating a very tense atmosphere, leading to an explosion of drums to end the song. “Coated Suits & Marshmallows” brings in a ‘60s psychedelic influence, especially with the flute and harpsichord that come in as the song progresses. “White Coffee” is the most drawn out and epic in scope, even if it’s technically shorter than the two songs preceding it. It’s very grand and features very pronounced shifts in tone, all with a very deliberate drum beat. “Mooncloud Lady” is the last song on the EP, and it ends things on a very sparse and introspective note, as Scientist gives the beat plenty of room to breath before inserting a single repeated piano chord into the mix, bringing in and pulling out other layers on top. It’s very much a cloudy day, headphones kind of song.

With an EP that will serve as an introduction to many new listeners, DJ Scientist definitely used this space to forge a unique identity. While there is hip hop production happening, especially with the drums, it’s just as much informed by Kraut rock and ‘60s psychedelic and folk rock. It makes for an interesting combination, and the record sounds very intimate. I didn’t know what to expect from this EP, but it’s been a pleasant surprise.