CLAMS CASINO / Instrumental Mixtape 3 [2013]

Hip-hop producer Michael Volpe aka Clams Casino returned in 2013 for his third and final instrumentals mixtape, before unleashing his full-length debut LP in 2016.
Pulling from various sources, including A&AP Rocky, Doom and even the GTA V soundtrack, Clams also throws in a few unreleased tracks to go for a variable but smooth sampler of his many styles of work that he produced over the year since his previous mixtape.  It's a noticeable departure from past works as he hardly makes use of any sampled voices and instead focuses on thickening up the gooey euphoria with slow, heavy beats and tranquil rhythmic ambience.  
It's not as strong a compilation as the first two outings but it still floats through the ears like candy-coated syrup under a flickering black-light.  Yum.

3½ adult swims out of 5

Songs of Note: Crystals; Bird Call

CLAMS CASINO / Instrumental Mixtape 2 [2012]

In a matter of a year, hip-hop producer Clams Casino went from being a kid producing instrumental beat tracks in his mom's basement to thean A-lister go-to-guy for psychedelic backbeats . It's not  really surprising considering how well his previous record was received by critics and artists alike.

2012's Instrumental Mixtape 2 continues the relaxing auditory journey into Clams' space like atmospheres and beautifully distorted textures.  This time around, things are a little more mysterious, denser and darker, making for an interesting conclusion to the first record.

4 cry little sisters out of 5

Note: Grab it for free off of Clam Casino's Official Facebook page.

Songs Of Note: Palace; Born To Die (remix)

CLAMS CASINO / Instrumental Mixtape [2011]

Rising hip hop architect Clams Casino's compilation of instrumentals can't help but leave me in awe of the genre.
Clams Casino makes use of standard hip-hop beats, then layers them with dreamlike atmospherics and hazy wordless vocals, conjuring up therapeutic emotions filled with sadness, wonder and serenity that's perfect for rainy weather daydreaming. Like his hip-hop instrumentalist peers Blue Sky Black Death and Araabmuzik, I could bear to hear more of Clams Casino's work without any lyrics. Lets hope his future projects are as effective as this wonderful little compilation.

4 Adele's on slo-mo out of 5

Songs Of Note: Motivation; Numb