Jesse Rutstein Delivers a Diverse and Deeply Personal Sound with Self-Titled EP

BennyD, contributor

Before diving into this review, I want to be fully transparent: Jesse Rutstein is a long-time friend with whom I've collaborated on recording and producing music for many years. While this connection naturally instills a bias and a deep appreciation for his work, I've aimed to provide an honest and insightful review of his upcoming EP, based on our recent interview and a careful listen to his music.

After navigating a turbulent 2024, singer-songwriter Jesse Rutstein is poised to make a powerful return to the music scene with his upcoming self-titled EP. This five-track offering serves as a compelling prelude to his full-length album, "Super Hero Toys," set to drop in December, and showcases Rutstein's versatility and raw honesty.

The EP, a testament to collaboration and creative resilience, features a dynamic array of tracks: "Lost In It All," "Getting Nowhere," "On Your Toes," "Stay Anywhere," and "Dear Baby Jean." Rutstein's journey back to the studio, specifically Tree Street Inc in Nashua, NH, was largely catalyzed by the unwavering support of producer/partner Caleb Dyer and executive producer David Patterson. Their encouragement was pivotal in drawing him back to music, pushing him to explore both past material and new compositions.

One of the EP's most striking aspects is its genre-bending nature. As Rutstein himself admits, the tracks are incredibly diverse: a tender song about his daughter ("On Your Toes"), an uplifting ode to the joy of music ("Lost In It All"), two hard-hitting rock anthems, and even an outlaw acoustic tune. What unifies this eclectic mix, however, is Rutstein's distinctive vocal work. He masterfully navigates the different styles, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt his voice to each song's unique emotional landscape.

The EP is also a celebration of local talent, with several featured artists contributing their unique flair. Faith Ann from the Faith Ann Band lends her voice to "Lost In It All," while Peter Davis provides captivating lead guitar on "Dear Baby Jean." Nick Burns from Cosmic Blossom and Patrick Matthews on saxophone add their touch to "On Your Toes," further highlighting Rutstein's commitment to fostering collaboration within the Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts music communities. Additional album credits include Jade Bailey on vocals, Seth Ceders on drums, Alec Fillebrown on bass and instrumentation, and Josie Rutstein.

For Rutstein, this EP represents a significant milestone. Having explored various roles within bands, from leading to providing backup vocals to playing pretty much every instrument, the independent release of his own artistic vision is a long-held dream realized. He expresses immense excitement for the public's reaction, eager to share his art in its purest form.

Looking ahead to the "Super Hero Toys" album, Rutstein teases an even broader sonic palette, with politically driven tracks and the titular song, an emotional piece about his son's growth, leading the way. His musical influences span indie, pop punk, hard rock, reggae, ska, and love ballads, all converging to create a sound that he describes as "something familiar but new."

A standout track, "Getting Nowhere," offers a satirical take on the current political media landscape. While intended to be humorous, Rutstein acknowledges the potential for misinterpretation, adding another layer of intrigue to the EP's narrative.

Jesse Rutstein extends heartfelt thanks to David Patterson and Caleb Dyer for their instrumental roles, his family for their steadfast support, and, most importantly, to those who take the time to listen. This self-titled EP, available on all streaming services for just $5, promises to be a deeply personal and musically expansive introduction to an artist ready to share his full spectrum of sound.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a full album review of "Super Hero Toys" this December, where I'll sit down with Jesse for a longer, more in-depth interview to explore the stories and inspirations behind his much-anticipated full-length release.