Singer/songwriter Tristan Clopet has delivered a set of funk-laden, alternative cuts on his sophomore EP, Purple.
The long-lost cousin to the Red Hot Chili Peppers or the louder uncle to Jason Mraz or the more inventive brother to Jack Johnson; Clopet’s work is more sonically diverse than all three of those comparisons, and he nearly pulls all of their spirits together and channels them into a unique outing. Purple is chilled out, rollicking and intimate all at the same time—but that’s not necessarily a balanced meal.
Album opener, “Proximity Bomb” is indicative of Californication-era Anthony Keidis and delivers a pretty wicked bass crunch. “So Alive” is Top-40 radio fodder any 16 year-old can fall in lust with.  “Superficiality is a Sin” has a groove, but Clopet’s pseudo-rapped verses are only luke-warm. “Ethereal Evidence” also invokes the RHCP spirit, perhaps a bit too much. “Love and a Question” is a gentle, enjoyable ballad and “Black Panther Party” is the Keidis bookend to the album opener.
Clopet seems to be caught between pop-rock balladry and trying to revive the 90’s alt-funk. He’d do well to choose one or the other, as the sonic balance has yet to be struck. Just because he’s good at both, doesn’t mean he should indulge in cooperation.
If you liked this, then you’ll love: