With Vulfpeck’s 2015 debut album, Thrill of the Arts, the long lost genre of funk was

revived after its peak nearly forty years prior. The album pays homage to the iconic era, clearly
influenced by Motown, superfly funk, 80s techno, and other sub-genres that could easily
convince the shiest of listeners to get up and boogie. The result is neither nostalgia for your
parents or the invention of new music, but a geek fueled combination of the two. Someone with
any hint of funk enjoyment will praise this album, feeling a sense of familiarity yet pick up on the
modern flair.

After running a 59 day kickstarter, Vulfpeck recorded Thrill of the Arts with a budget of
only 10,000 dollars. The lack of financial resources shows in the best way, with each song being
live recordings, enabling the listener to immerse themselves in the pure talent and chemistry the
band possesses. The album consists of ten songs, all but three being under four minutes long,
providing funky grooves through tracks like “Walkies” or “Funky Duck” with also the inclusion of
more modern-pop tracks such as “Back Pocket” or “Christmas in LA.” The influence of funk
legends is clear, with similar base, key, and guitar present in James Brown and Earth Wind and
Fire songs.

The opening track represents the entire album best. Simply called “Welcome to Vulf
Records,” each section includes influences from different genres. It begins with a repeating
chord on piano, found in many modern-day pop hits. Suddenly, the once repetitive opening
transforms into complex chord changes that can be found in Duke Ellington jazz. The funk
presence then enters, with a groovy bass and stylish drums creating a pocket for the piano to
play over. Half way through, it sounds like an old timey saloon, yet a strong funky harmony is
still present. To end the tune, a tenor sax soothes the listener with a soulful, passionate solo,
ending the track with a final bluesy touch. In conclusion, Vulfpeck’s Thrill of the Arts brings a
new life to a dying genre by providing familiarity for the listener, yet includes influences from
other genres to provide its own take on an already iconic style.