Zapatilla

Crumbling Down

Attempt to find a convenient musical pigeon-hole for Zapatilla and you'll find him slipping from your grasp and zig-zagging in unexpected yet compelling directions.
His transcendent debut EP comprises two ambitious, shapeshifting tracks. Initially, opener Crumbling Down suggests a dance-floor focused blueprint, before its arrangement
of percussion and classical instruments come into focus around the 3 minute mark, the result is a steadfastly organic and emotional opus.
Its sister track Thumb Piano is a more abstract affair, with its eclectic instrumentation anchored to a palette of synths and electronica.
Via his world travels and collaborations with numerous artists, Zapatilla has accrued a wealth of experience, influences and a stock pile of varied and unusual instruments. It's a varied CV and includes his role as bass player in the acclaimed Owiny Sigoma Band and, along with Tom Skinner, composing the score for Swedish Film 'The Real Estate' a nominee for Best Film at this year's Berlin Film Festival.
This hybrid of influences has resulted in a spine-tingling alchemy that on paper shouldn't work. But Zapatilla's natural instinct for melody, innovative arrangements and musical ability, make this one of the most musically adept and intriguing artists set to emerge this year.