Vulfpeck
The Beautiful Game


2.5
average

Review

by psandy USER (13 Reviews)
October 18th, 2016 | 26 replies


Release Date: 2016 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Beautiful, but destined for the stage

When listening to a Vulfpeck album, it is this reviewer’s common practice to omit the desire for any semblance of cohesiveness. I have always found it useful to not view their albums traditionally, as this practice typically yields disappointing results. This, of course, is for the sake of the masterful artistry and musicianship contained therein. Vulfpeck is a funk group comprised of formally educated musicians; this fact is never understated within their music. From the band’s conception, its purpose has been to recreate the era of sound associated with 1960s session musicians (Albeit with a German twist, hence the name). To this end, they often succeed gloriously: Their playing techniques are precise, unique, and structurally compelling. However, while their records always display incredible production quality, they are also trademarked by thematic uncertainty. In a few words, they’re all over the place. Instrumental compositions are juxtaposed haphazardly alongside pop-soul vocal tracks, giving their records an unfinished feeling. This aloofness is often rather easy to forgive, as a certain redemptive charm permeates the open space of their compositions.

On The Beautiful Game, however, I find it much harder to forgive. More than ever, the tracks here feel awkwardly assembled, leaving the prevailing impression that they intended nothing more than to create a collection of songs. This is not to suggest that nothing on The Beautiful Game is memorable, as the opposite is true. “Animal Spirits,” although almost excessively poppy, works wonderfully, calling to mind the incredibly catchy “Back Pocket” from their last record, Thrill of the Arts. Lead single “Dean Town” is the obvious highlight, as it marvelously highlights the bandmembers’ musical talents, combining the aforementioned with simultaneously clear and dreamy production (I found myself yearning for an album full of Dean Towns). Songs like “El Chepe” and album closer “Cory Wong” further demonstrate these production chops. “Aunt Leslie” is a great example of lead singer Theo Katzman’s ability to convey a meaningful message with his powerfully captivating voice. Unfortunately, “1 for 1, DiMaggio” makes these efforts seem a jest.

One of the most interesting songs on the record is “Margery, My First Car,” in which the record’s shining moments in spacey production once again prevail. However, this also seems a strange addition, as it utilizes their 2013 instrumental track “My First Car.” Ultimately, though, the album is bogged down chiefly by the band’s trivial indulgences (see "Conscious Club"). These lighthearted quirks are to be expected on a Vulfpeck record, but it leaves the listener with the feeling that Vulfpeck isn’t sure if it should be prevailingly lighthearted or serious about their art. It seems more apparent on The Beautiful Game that they are unable to find a happy medium between the two. Despite the underwhelming aspects of the record, I still find that it is very easy to appreciate on many levels. I would contend that the tracks contained herein would work much better in a live setting, as is the case for most of Vulfpeck's compositions. While it does little to advance their sound, it was never really intended to; it find its seat comfortably among the rest of their discography.



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user ratings (45)
3.4
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
psandy
October 18th 2016


280 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

It is ABSOLUTELY obligatory that I tell you all: Vulfpeck is an incredible group. Listen to "Fugue State" if you like the highlights of this record (my personal favorite, also the most cohesive). Hell, even "Thrill of the Arts." They're great, but this is in my opinion their weakest record yet. That said, I certainly hold them to a high standard. Check em out if you wanna get funky.

ramon.
October 18th 2016


4204 Comments


Yea really enjoyed jamming Fugue State a while back, a shame this record doesn't seem to carry the same energy. Great review.

VaxXi
October 18th 2016


4418 Comments


first few sentences into this review and im 100% confused

Mutantsnowstorm
October 19th 2016


514 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Thank god the band page is updated here, I was amazed that this band didn't have much recognition on this site



Albums pretty good imo, but I love the band more when they just do instrumentals

psandy
October 19th 2016


280 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Thanks folks. I added all of their EPs and shit, it bothered me



@VaxXi ha I was worried the clarity was a bit fucked. I might edit dat. sounds super pretentious now that i'm reading it back

ArsMoriendi
October 19th 2016


41524 Comments


My roommate likes this band a lot

Digging: Ohio Players - Ecstasy

wtferrothorn
October 20th 2016


5849 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Well damn if dean town isn't just the funkiest thing I've heard this year, I don't know what is.

heck
October 20th 2016


7197 Comments


for some reason I always thought this was some shitty furry EDM artist from YouTube or some shit

wtferrothorn
October 20th 2016


5849 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

why?

heck
October 20th 2016


7197 Comments


I used to have a friend who was into that shit and either they liked these guys and I just assumed or they liked an artist with a similar name

wtferrothorn
October 20th 2016


5849 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

oh



well this isn't



that







thankfully

difmaster
October 21st 2016


1 Comments


> “Aunt Leslie” is a great example of lead singer Theo Katzman’s ability to convey a meaningful message with his powerfully captivating voice

lol, that ain't Theo singing

BelchingSlime
April 22nd 2017


106 Comments


Daddy, He Got a Tesla is such a jam

gnatolise
November 7th 2017


1 Comments


> “Aunt Leslie” is a great example of lead singer Theo Katzman’s ability to convey a meaningful message with his powerfully captivating voice

yeah, the singer here is Antwaun Stanley. Holy heck, no offense but this review is trash. this album is great, Vulfpeck doesn't have to be like every other freakin band, they like to stand out. no respect to Patrick.

nol
January 30th 2020


12280 Comments


Dean Town is like the greatest song ever recorded

LeddSledd
June 16th 2020


7445 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Review sucks tbh. Nothing to do with me jamming Vulfpeck tho

Get Low
April 14th 2021


14553 Comments


I added Sleepify to the database.

nol
April 14th 2021


12280 Comments


This is basically the “King of Limbs” of Vulfpeck’s discography

lysinecontingency
January 22nd 2023


9 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I felt this review was largely well written, even if I didn't quite agree with some of its conclusions. I do have a question - here's a quote from your review:



'“Aunt Leslie” is a great example of lead singer Theo Katzman’s ability to convey a meaningful message with his powerfully captivating voice. Unfortunately, “1 for 1, DiMaggio” makes these efforts seem a jest.'



I'm unclear if this is supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing. Are you saying that DiMaggio is so good that Leslie pales in comparison? Or the opposite? (Personally I think DiMaggio is fantastic but that's neither here nor there.



Thanks for taking the time to write a thoughtful review for an interesting band!

lysinecontingency
January 22nd 2023


9 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I felt this review was largely well written, even if I didn't quite agree with some of its conclusions. I do have a question - here's a quote from your review:



'“Aunt Leslie” is a great example of lead singer Theo Katzman’s ability to convey a meaningful message with his powerfully captivating voice. Unfortunately, “1 for 1, DiMaggio” makes these efforts seem a jest.'



I'm unclear if this is supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing. Are you saying that DiMaggio is so good that Leslie pales in comparison? Or the opposite? (Personally I think DiMaggio is fantastic but that's neither here nor there.



Thanks for taking the time to write a thoughtful review for an interesting band!



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