Conclave: The Sound of a NYC Summer Block Party
Conclave's self-titled debut album captures the energy of a New York City summer, blending Latin rhythms, funky synth bass, and dance floor vibes.
A Personal Memory
In June 2022, while walking to pick up his oldest child from school, the author recalls feeling depressed and overheated. When Conclave's track "Habla" came on, he unconsciously started strutting to the beat, smiling for the first time in a while. The album didn't solve his problems but briefly made him feel lighter.
Album Description and Influences
Conclave's debut has become one of the author's go-to summer records. Its blend of Latin rhythms, funky synth bass, smooth vocals, and dance floor vibes evokes a sunny day in the city. Unlike other summer albums that recall the beach or backyard barbecues, songs like "Habla" and "Perdón" suggest sweaty asphalt and playing dominoes on the sidewalk. Conclave is the sound of a broken air conditioner and an open fire hydrant.
Flashes of jazz and salsa brush against house music on "Take Heed (Nu Sunlight)" and "Alati Yeye Chege." P-Funk bass lines weave throughout the track list, while the guitar on "Rise (Interlude)" recalls Prince's languid melodies from "Purple Rain." "Rise" itself (not the interlude) features electric piano stabs that eventually bleed into minimal techno bass wubs.
Creator and Availability
The album wears its influences on its sleeve, but they are expertly blended by Cesar Toribio, a Berklee graduate and the mind behind Conclave. He conjures a block party DJ set's worth of vibes into a cohesive whole. The album is available on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms, including YouTube Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Qobuz, and Deezer.
