Change seems to be an overlapping theme for singer-songwriter Janine, a.k.a. Janine Kris Tenoso, with the unveiling of her brand-new EP titled “Apat Na Buwan.”

First off, there’s the name change. The “’Di Na Muli” singer ditched her last name last year, opting instead for the mononym Janine. Asked why she did so, Janine said that she didn’t want the burden of carrying her last name. There’s a more personal reason for Janine that she’d instead not share (until you listen to one of the songs on the EP), but we get to the part where she wants a clean start. And in the pop music business, what better way to reboot than changing the name that goes up in the proverbial lights?

And with the name change comes the alteration in sound. Previous singles and outings have branded her sound as ‘acoustic pop,’ but those paying attention to Janine’s evolution (she's been around since 2016) have noticed that the singer has been tinkering with her style since the start.

And the shift in sonics couldn’t be more pronounced in the title track, “Apat Na Buwan,” wherein we hear her trading her usual singer-songwriter musings for a more alt-pop flavored fare. Produced by Ben & Ben producer and in-house Vicor producer JP Verona, Janine is like a duck in water. She easily floats over the faux synth-pop band sound that arrangers Timothy Run and Verona set up for Janine.

Although Janine is known for being a solo act, that fact hasn’t stopped her from operating with live musicians, especially during her shows. So when the new song “Palihim” kick starts her new release, with its Eraserheads-esque chord run (think “Ang Huling El Bimbo”), Janine is sitting pretty on top of it with her acoustic guitar at the fore that comes complete with lead guitar fills, tinkling pianos, keyboards and a rhythm section that swings as salad dressing to complement Janine’s song about falling in like at first sight.

The new EP also allows Janine to stretch out on her own again. Janine is one of the most active collaborators in Pinoy pop with hits with Arthur Nery (“Pelikula”), Cup Of Joe (“Tingin”), and fan-fave co-writes with Rob Deniel (“Distansya”), The Juans, Fourplay MNL, Ethan Loukas and Marion Aunor and several more in between. And by stretching, we mean trying out songs like her autobiographical ballad titled “23” which she sings with breathy, soul-tinged aplomb.  I’m hazarding a guess that “23” won’t be a popular song like say, “Sandig,” but for a songwriter, I’d say that “23” is a Top 5 tune for Janine. And she’s written quite a bit of songs to date.   

“Apat Na Buwan” also includes Janine’s most recent successes with songs “Sandig” and “Distansya”--the letter a collaboration with retro pop ace Rob Deniel. Also, check Janine’s bare-bones, soulful demo take of “Sandig.”

But the biggest takeaway? Janine’s vocal work of course! Janine’s vocal style has come a long way since the days of her first ambling original release (“Fall”), but her promise as a singer, as they say, has been fulfilled.

Throughout, her dulcet tones go from hovering over easy melodies to jumping intervals that seem to swoop from her home pitch to hitting enviable highs. But at the same time, it’s understated, and she does it sparingly and in the service of the song. It’s not all about big technique, but the emotional nuances are where Janine sticks it.