Solpara - Swing

Solpara is a producer from New York who's among the co-founders of Booma Collective in Montreal. Besides live sets and collaborations with various artists such as Parisian Valentin Stip who released his work under the observation of Nicolas Jaar on his Clown And Sunset as well as Other People and Oren Ratowsky, another busy being involved with Booma Collective, Solpara released an EP which has been spread into the world through Other People.

'Swing' is a five track vinyl release of techno and ambient. Considering how harmoniously the tracks complement each other in a strangely serene manner, the best environment where one can shelter them is somewhere between a club party and a cozy room at home filled with light. Personally, I prefer the latter option. Swing is so well structured that the best way to enjoy it is from beginning to end.

The names of the tracks are somewhat deceiving once you've listened to all of them, but I guess it's a matter of playing with perception.

''The Descent'' is a melodic, smooth one. So smooth, it is relatively uplifting. The whole EP is very close to nature in sound and the artwork that comes with the vinyl helps to clearly indicate this. If it was for Swing to have any of the other tracks as the first one, the listening experience might have distanced itself from the large horizon of an open space. The mellow beats fused with tranquil rhythms form a distinctive positivity that can make you enjoy things as simple and ''unimportant'' as air going in and out of your lungs.

''Swing'' maintains the uplifting aura, but this time it gently molds around a load of lowness, perfectly introducing what is to come next.

I've previously mentioned that the names of the tracks are somewhat deceiving and now it's the time to explain why. ''Vitamin D'' is a more suitable name for ''The Descent'' and its clear airy ambiance. But maybe naming the third track ''Vitamin D'' is a way to mentally push such a heavy and rhythmic tune into nature. Of placing it, subconsciously, in the realm of wilderness.

Unlike the rest of the tracks, ''Short Circuit'' has an urban essence deeply rooted in its ''synthetic electronic sounds'' and ''industrial rhythms all around'' as well as the old school reminiscent drum beats.

The final track is also the second ''descent'' on the album. ''Seahorses'' is evidently an aquatic piece. The uplifting atmosphere also returns, this time with an even stronger sense of calmness. It's as if you now have to rest for a short while before playing it all over again.

Make sure to keep an eye on the mood expert Solpara. This guy definitely can't disappoint even in the slightest.

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