Nick Marks' Cinematic Chromatics Vol. II EP Is An Ode To NY Jazz, Funk & Hip-Hop, But With A Twist

You're not ready for this.

The intersection between funk, jazz, hip hop, and beats has been explored many times but a few dare to experiment so much that they leave you speechless. If you're fans of Hiatus Kaiyote, Moonchild (or Catpack), Oddisee, and even chromonicci, you're in for such a treat.

Cinematic Chromatics vol. II, the new installment by Australian-born, NY-based multi-instrumentalist & producer Nick Marks, is an ode to all that is beautiful & admiration-worthy in the genres mentioned above. 4 songs that are united by his love of jazz & funk, their New Your crossover aesthetics, all with a cinematic touch (due to Nick's background in film scoring), and further solidified by smooth rapping. But it's not exactly the classic blend you would think of - Nick takes things to the next level.

The follow-up of Cinematic Chromatics vol. I, and the middle part of the trilogy, features 3 previously released singles - including the 2023 "Between Gigs" we've already had on the blog. The opening track & the new taste of the project, "Keep Goin' Gotta Keep Up" is a stellar & groovy blend of equal parts hip-hop & funk, with a summer touch. He reunites with long-time collaborator, rapper Doron Lev, for a song aiming to "uplift listeners’ spirits" - and I must say he very much does it.

The spacey & playful "Touché Hombre" will make you nod along with its fine selection of synths, flutes, brass & beats. And if you're still longing for more hip-hop, Nick has "Back To Life" for you, which explores the more modern genre approach with future beats, again with Doron Lev's effortless but firm flow. I love how it switches back to classic jazzy hip-hop mid-track, kind of as a reminder of where it all began.

15 min 25 sec that would make you fall in love with jazz, funk & old-school rap all over again - and won't leave you bored even for a second.

The Cinematic Chromatics trilogy is "born out of love and passion for bringing together elements that satisfy the ear, move the body, and connect to the heart. It speaks to the complex layers that intertwine in life," as Nick explains. Cinematic Chromatics vol. III is anticipated at the end of 2024 and I can't wait to hear what more he's got for us.