By: Anand Harsh

A study of Gabe Lehner's career is a study in evolution. From the singer-songwriter path to mixing and engineering to obsessively crafting beats, he's focused in on his 9 Theory project, which sees its next milestone on the horizon with the release of the Beautiful Things EP. Things have changed dramatically from even his first 9 Theory release, the Against the Odds of Entropy EP, which featured Killer Mike and Killah Priest. This new studio effort has a focus on uptempo, instrumental house--the American answer to Bonobo and Frameworks, if you will.

Today's premiere is the second single from the EP, "I'm Allowed," which features the vocals of fellow southern Californian Ashley Mazanec, who is often double by Lehner in this gorgeous harmony. It's a delicate, it's light, and it's flowy--akin to some newer Emancipator releases. With no flash or over-the-top production, the subtle tune entrances the listener, wrapping them up in a fluffy sonic blanket.

9 Theory has made appearances at several west coast festivals, and we're hoping that trend continues into this summer on the heels of the release of this brand new EP.