Steve Jinski - Hope Street (2020) Hi-Res

Steve Jinski (normally half of the acclaimed duo JINSKI), is a singer-songwriter and community music educator based in Newcastle. His solo 5 track EP ´Hope Street´ provides a much needed optimistic message in these otherwise tumultuous times.

The EP offers an eclectic but accessible listen with a subtle mixture of texture and delivery. Beginning with the stripped back song ´Something Good Will Happen´; Steve’s voice has an honest and intimate feel, with spacious accordion drones bringing the track to life. It’s a song that will please the folk club circuit, with its delicate arrangement, yet catchy refrain.

Steve then revs things up a gear with ´The Earth And The Clear Blue Sky´. This introduces a full folk rock sound and has a distinctive Sitar-esque modal guitar riff. This gives the track a bite and makes it the standout track of the EP for me!

‘Recovery´, the final track of the Hope Street EP is a short but sweet conclusion written in a typical folk style. When the harmony vocals kick in the song has a raw and swaying sea shanty feel which is pretty infectious and makes it almost impossible not to sing along.

Overall there´s positivity, honesty and simplicity in message and production which I really appreciate. Steve Jinski´s lyrics are clear and sincere and are well supported by unpretentious arrangements. Definitely a good listen if you´re in need of gently coaxing out of your lockdown blues.