Conclave Captures the Vibe of a NYC Summer Block Party

I vividly recall the day in June 2022 when I walked to pick up my oldest from school. My mental state was pretty rough for various reasons, and the heat was relentless. I felt depressed, frustrated, sunburned, and drenched in sweat. But then, as the second track on Conclave, “Habla,” kicked in, I found myself moving to the rhythm. It wasn’t just walking; I was strutting through the streets, perfectly in sync with the music, just as a refreshing breeze swept in and some scaffolding provided a much-needed patch of shade. For a fleeting moment, I smiled for the first time in what felt like ages.

Since then, Conclave’s self-titled debut has become one of my favorite summer albums.

Now, this record didn’t magically fix my issues, but it did lighten my mood and bring a smile to my face. Its mix of Latin rhythms, funky synth bass, smooth vocals, and dance floor energy feels like a sunny day in the city. Conclave embodies the essence of New York. While other summer albums might remind you of beaches or backyard barbecues, tracks like “Habla” and “Perdón” evoke the heat of the pavement and the sound of dominoes clacking on the sidewalk. Conclave captures the vibe of a broken air conditioner and an open fire hydrant.

You can hear flashes of jazz and salsa blending with house on tracks like “Take Heed (Nu Sunlight)” and “Alati Yeye Chege.” P-Funk bass lines weave throughout the album, and the guitar on “Rise (Interlude)” brings to mind the smooth, expansive melodies of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” The track “Rise” itself features electric piano stabs that transition into minimal techno bass wubs towards the end.

The album proudly showcases its influences, but they’re expertly mixed by Cesar Toribio, the Berklee-educated mastermind behind Conclave. He crafts a block party DJ set’s worth of vibes into a seamless experience.

Conclave is available on Bandcamp and most major streaming platforms, including YouTube Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Qobuz, and Deezer.