Volpi - The Cubist

Volpi

The Cubist
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

There isn’t too much information out there about Volpi. I know Volpi is an ever-shifting studio project and recently released an EP entitled The Cubist but that's about it. The Cubist is an engaging, well-produced EP that contains some funk, rock and experimental flavors that go down very easy.

The music is inventive and my attention was often focused on the exceptional guitar parts. Take for instance the first track “Do Not Fight Here” which starts with two guitars in succession followed by a bass part. I thought the way the parts intersected and came together was fluid, seamless and fun ear candy. The vibe is a bit bluesy but also at times reminded of Talk Talk and Television in subtle ways. The vocals were enjoyable but sparse. I thought they could have been a little more defined in the mix. The vocals seemed to be too buried at points. 

“Something in the Water” reminded me of the guitar work on What Day Is It? by the artist Bob Drake who I highly recommend you check out. If you combine that with a little bit of James Brown and Peter Frampton you should have an idea of what “Something In The Water” sounds like.

“All My Loving is Gone” has the most infectious vocal melody. On the first half of the song the vocalist is riffing over a hip groove. Once he starts repeating the phrase “All My Loving is Gone” it gets stuck in your head and is quite memorable. Volpi continues to impress with “Dance like my Lover” and the instrumental psychedelic jazzy closer “Guitar Heaven.”

The Cubist is a solid effort where the most inspired moments come from the instrumental end especially the guitar work. Volpi has a cool, unique sound and I hope to hear more soon. Recommended. 

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