Cantations - Diagnosis [EP]

Mint 400

Cantations is the new project from Jersey City, New Jersey musician Nicholas Maratta, one of the main songwriters for the indie rock band Sh*thead’s Rainbow. Diagnosis is a three track EP recording project sourcing tracks from different musicians, including some of his former Sh*thead’s Rainbow bandmates, over the course of the pandemic lockdown.  At the heart of Maratta’s writing is his quest “to figure out why one-self is so miserable despite any looming hopes.”

All musicians were given a basic track, which included only pan flute and vocals written and recorded by Maratta.  Dan Nagano-Gerace provided the saxophone.  Ryan Treppedi added acoustic guitar. Nicholas Jorgensen (Mercy Union) supplied additional synth strings and synthesized piano.  Jared Hart performed electric guitar, synthesized piano, additional vocals, and synthesized percussion.  Jeff Mckeon played electric bass and uptight bass.  Tracks were done in isolation pre-vaccine and then mixed together by Nicholas Maratta.  Nicholas Sudol provided mastering.  This new EP follows December’s M’listfu * Abaleful two song single which quickly informed fans that Maratta had formulated a new style and sound moving forward, and it was worth the wait.