Musician Mista J has returned with a sprawling six-track collection that bends genres whilst keeping visual motifs firmly at its heart. As the artist notes, "Colour continues to lace my EPs together." That conceptual thread holds ‘Cinnabar Cinema’ together as it leaps across contrasting soundscapes, blending elements of indie rock, folk, blues, pop, and classical arrangements into a single cohesive listening experience.
The record kicks off with ‘Quicksilver’, an engaging indie-pop track that sets a lively pace. Crisp, punchy percussive hits drive the track alongside melodic lead vocals, while subtle atmospheric textures linger in the backdrop, adding genuine depth without cluttering the song's straightforward bounce.
The sound pivots sharply with ‘One in Vermillion’, which pivots towards a gritty, vintage aesthetic. Grounded in 1940s-style lo-fi blues guitar riffs, the track gets a modern facelift when heavy contemporary drums crash into the mix. Rather than offering a straight historical tribute, the piece bridges vintage blues traditions with modern production energy.
‘Lend Me Your Ear’ introduces acoustic folk elements, led by nimble banjo picking and rustic fiddle lines. As the song progresses, a steady four-on-the-floor beat kicks in, whilst rich vocal harmonies elevate the final passage into a sweeping modern folk creation. Taking an increasingly gentler turn, ‘Ruby Red Cherries’ highlights intimate female vocals set against steady indie guitar and bass work. The tight, dry drum track provides plenty of character and rhythmic structure, giving the vocal performance plenty of room to breathe.
Marking another bright, musical shift, ‘Crimson Feet’ delivers 1960s keyboard sounds which share the space with modern alternative pop vocals and crisp, cultivated beats. The song balances these eras comfortably, allowing retro organ tones and modern production to work together seamlessly. Closing the EP, the slightly counter-intuitive titled ‘Welcome to the Cinema’ broadens the scope significantly. Sweeping strings and detailed orchestration deliver a dramatic, cinematic finish that brings the record to a satisfying close.
Across these six tracks, Mista J delivers an inventive release that handles varied genres with confidence and flair. Be sure to join Mista J on Patreon to stay updated on future releases and creative projects.
