You have to admit, there are lots of indie artists out there who simply need that huge break in order for them to enter the mainstream scene with success. Toronto-born Tristan Clopet is one of them. The University of Miami alum released his debut EP named Duende last year which earned him a following in the Miami area. Clopet has just recently released his sophomore EP, entitled Purple, and I can tell you that this guy really can rock it out big time.

Backed by the band named The Juice, the promising Tristan Clopet simply flaunted off his immense talent in the sophomore EP. The band indeed sounded great in Purple. The guitars sounded groovy and the drums are really dominant in every song in the newest EP.

Album Review: Purple EP

The album kicks off with Proximity Bomb which sounds very much like it came out from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Tristan Clopet even manages to rap in the track just like what Anthony Kiedis does for the Peppers. Proximity Bomb has a funky beat but one cannot help but think it may sound too much like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Following Proximity Bomb is So Alive which can be considered as Purple‘s shining track in terms of lyricality. Mixed by Grammy-winning producer Charles Dye (the guy who produced Thalia’s Arrasando album), the track sounds soulful and talks about the human soul’s road to redemption convincingly.

The third track, Superficiality Is A Sin, flaunts off a very sensational guitar solo. Clopet’s vocals meshes well with the great guitar work. The song reminds me of Cage the Elephant’s Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked for reasons unknown. Ethereal Evidence again shows Clopet’s ability to sound like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I am not saying this is a bad thing though. It worked in this track but at some point, one has to wonder when such comparisons will stop.

Love And A Question may be the best track in the sophomore EP. The arrangement is truly exceptional. The intro of the track is breathtaking in my honest opinion. Clopet’s attempt at sounding not too heavy worked out very well. Love And A Question is easily Purple‘s best shining moment.

The last track, Black Panther Party, features a very dominant drum work. After being blown away by Love And A Question, I found the track to be simply decent and offered nothing special.

All in all, Purple EP sounds as a very acceptable sophomore effort from Tristan Clopet. Recommended tracks are So Alive and Love And A Question. The potential for this guy is really high. His vocals sound fresh yet unique at the same time. The work from the backing band The Juice should also be lauded. Great work done by Tristan Clopet and The Juice. I only expect the band to get better this 2010. Will they get that huge break though? I can only wish for the best.

Genre: Rock
Date Released: January 7, 2010
Websites: MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Tristanclopet.com
This entry was originally written over at The Beat Review where the author works as a contributor.