Saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery is a pretty tired cliché. It's a saying that can be used on any number of circumstances, but seems to find a perfect fit in the world of music. Especially when often times just a touch of originality can make a work of music stand out above the endless line of completely unoriginal works, saying that imitation is rampant in popular music is an understatement. For Florida funk artist Tristan Clopet, imitating artists that came before him is part of what makes his sound what it is, but unlike the endless amount of uninspired artists that litter the radio, Clopet brings the flattery part of the cliché to the forefront.
If there was a single band that would be flattered by Clopet’s sound, that band would undoubtedly be the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Though Clopet experiments with more sounds than just those of the late ‘80s/early ‘90s circa Chili Peppers, the general theme of Clopet’s newest release, the Purple EP, is a heavily influenced collection of songs that harkens back to RHCP’s humble beginnings. From the thunderous, rhythmic basslines to the time keeping guitar strums, even to the eerily familiar vocal delivery, Clopet and his band (which is affectionately known as The Juice) have found a way to perfectly bring back the Chili Peppers’ funky early sound.
The opening track off of Purple, “Proximity Bombs,” could easily be confused with a lost RHCP track. The funky, percussion filled song is the first time you get a chance to hear Clopet’s funky rap like delivery that sounds almost sonically identical to Anthony Kiedis’ own patented delivery. Sure it’s a fun, groovy and danceable song, but as you listen you almost can’t help but think that Clopet may be better off fronting an RHCP cover band than spearheading his own project. The following track on the EP seems as if it does what it can to take that notion out of your head. “So Alive” switches directions by giving Clopet a chance to better showcase his subtle singing voice; a voice that sounds more like his own and less like a photocopy. The low key song is the highlight of the album, and it gives Clopet not only a chance for people to hear his pleasant voice but it also helps to give him a more distinct musical persona of his own.
The remaining funk-based numbers on Purple would have been welcome additions to the Chili Peppers’ disappointingly obtuse Stadium Arcadium album from a few years ago. An album which, at times, saw the band try to imitate their earlier sound less successfully than Clopet does here. Wrapped around these songs though is another, more original number from Clopet. The ethereal “Love and a Question,” shows the artist take some distance from the rocking track that follows it to end the EP. “Love and a Question” is instead lush and heart felt, steadied by bassist Colin Veit’s fantastic bass work and amplified by Clopet’s shimmering versatile guitar playing.
Tristan Clopet is the personification of a talented artist that hasn’t quite found the type of music that perfectly suits him. It seems like Clopet never quite stays in the same position long enough on Purple for the audience to really get to know him. One minute he’s giving us his best Anthony Kiedis impersonation and the next minute he’s constructing a beautiful and original sound collage. Unless you can’t stand funk rock music, there’s really nothing not to like about Clopet and his newest EP; but it does seem like he has a ways to go to reach his full songwriting potential and to finally get out of the shadow of his influences.
"Purple EP" is on sale January 12, 2010 from Sussex.
