A fantastic fusion of nu-jazz and prog-jazz unveils across “Earthling,” a newly released single from Kinisi, the project of Atlanta native Speros Kokenes. Guitar was his first love, and that features dynamically within his productions, amidst an eclectic array of other influences and sounds — ranging from electronic atmospherics to jazzy invigoration, here especially memorable in its use of horns and dexterous live drums.
The project first caught our ears back in 2018 with the stellar single “Weird Mannerisms Pt. 1,” enthralling in its atmospheric balancing of synths and guitars. Eight years later, Kinisi continues to captivate with a sound abundant in both memorably melodic charm and strongly intriguing soundscapes.
Also featuring Atlanta-based bi-musical collective Unk N’Nem, “Earthling” delights across a myriad of catching moments — from its initial jazzy late-night spell of percussive pitter-patter and glimmering keys, to a midpoint fervency of interchanging guitars and horns — then converging for a delectably replay-inducing passion. The conclusion is masterful as well, combining various aforementioned elements into a sound that’s impressively technical yet also structurally cohesive. “Earthling” is a thrilling success from Kinisi.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
