Hill Climber

Hill Climber, released in 2018, represents a pivotal moment in Vulfpeck's discography, further refining their 'Vulf' aesthetic of minimalist funk while expanding their vocal-led pop sensibilities. Following their historic independent success, this album showcases a more balanced split between instrumental virtuosity and structured songwriting. The record features frequent collaborators like Antwaun Stanley and Joey Dosik, but it is the core quartet's chemistry that remains the focal point. Sonic characteristics include an extreme 'dry' mix, heavy use of compression for a punchy feel, and Joe Dart's prominent, melodic bass lines which have become the band's signature. Critical reception noted the album's ability to blend 1970s session-musician precision with a modern, internet-savvy sense of irony and playfulness. It contains the fourth iteration of their 'It Gets Funkier' series, a tradition that tracks the band's evolution from their earliest days.