Berlin-based Gaston Volpe, aka Volpe (ARG), brings soothing, cool chords and jazz sensibilities to ice down the heat of your long hot summer with his latest offering for Mitsubasa, “Sense of Identity.”
Amid all the crunchy bangers and mind-twisting skullduggery on the charts this week, one of the brightest standouts is Volpe’s “Sense of Identity” release here that goes in with easy and masterful expression. One could always state that music shouldn’t sound like a struggle, and all mastery comes from “the relentless pursuit of the basics.” But what happens when the basics are way beyond average, and complex chords and rhythmic interaction are something that comes easily for you? Then you have true mastery that is off the cuff and a direct expression of the soul.
It’s certainly a culmination of prior work and a great knowledge of music theory, with a keen ear for Detroit techno and jazz concepts, for which Volpe is well known. For Volpe here, it feels like the EP is something of a musical study in everyone’s favorite motif: Detroit-inspired, dubbed-out techno chords.
The foundations in each of the tracks are based on a solid, funky, and grooving bass line. Where everything is hung, including swinging, well-EQ’d, and balanced topper lines that drive each track. But this is merely just a vehicle for the big and joyful chords and supporting lead lines. Both “Inner Wisdom” and “Playful Spirit” touch on this concept. Their sweeping chilled vibes crossing the sonic stage like a gentle breeze. In a hot and packed club, this would be a welcome thought as you pull the cap from your water bottle, or be a welcome musical synchronicity as you feel the breeze on your skin at an outdoor venue in the sun.
The tracks “Impermanence” and “Duality,” which are classic examples of the “B-Side” vinyl mentality. Where you have played out the lead tracks on side A and matched them with another record, but you might find yourself in need of a decent drum-based track to get out of the mix in a hurry, so it’s just a no-brainer to flip the record and get into one of the B-side tracks. That’s where “Impermanence” and “Duality” are based, more or less attempting to develop the drum combinations and bass groove that were less prominent in the previous tracks. The sweeping and big synth chords are subdued in favor of sitting more tightly in the mix, getting the dancer’s energy rolling.
It’s easy to see that with EP’s like this, Volpe has a name people trust, and he’s become a go-to for his bread-and-butter chord skills. What’s different this time is that it’s certainly about the feeling of the music and the capturing of these cool vibes. Sweeping synths that are full of joyful expression. It’s impossible not to get carried away by them. Big ups to Volpe on this release. It’s a must-have in the crate if you really want to clear the air in the room for a DJ set.
-Sean Ocean
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