My First Car is an underrated funk/soul EP released in 2013. It is one of the earlier recordings by Vulfpeck, a funk/soul band from the United States. It follows an intriguing arrangement of layered beats and ingenious melodic contrasts to create a vivid thematic narrative about coming of age and adulthood reflected through the experience of getting your ‘first car’.
The syncopation, a form of layered off-beat rhythmic patterns, within tracks like “The Birdwatcher” is intense and creates complex harmonies supported by almost ethereal melodies from the synthesiser. The soundscape created by the synthesiser and electric guitars is dreamy, creating a stark dichotomy with the contrasting funky bass and drums. The dynamics between these musical forces make for groovy tunes.
Yet, the instrumental communicates with and complements its varied elements on tracks like “It Gets Funkier III”, which are supported by the bassline and drums to highlight the funky synths. Concurrently, other songs on the EP like “The Speedwalker” interchange these stylings giving way to a unique form of artistic expression that makes you equally connect with all musical sections in motion.
The EP is also thematically brilliant. The stage is set from the first song, and its wholesome, soul sound eases you into the funk tunes of consecutive songs of the EP. The narrative in the lyrics is entrenched in romance, growing up, and nostalgia. From there, it's almost a linear escalation into musical complexities and funk, seen from the soulful and exciting mood in “The Birdwatcher” to the intense and eerie tone of “Kulmilch 74 BPM" with complex melodic contrasts and great tension.
Overall, the EP is not just a simple funk piece—it’s full of rhythmic and melodic complexities that narrativises the feeling of ‘coming-of-age’ through the ease of soul and exciting tensions of funk. Simultaneously, it’s also a great introduction to Vulfpeck and funk music in general.
By Ganim Singh
The Department of Entertainment
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