Instrumental Mixtape 2, Self release ****

Mike Volpe's trademark sound has provided many hip-hop cuts with an emotive veneer and hazy, hypnotic, woozy edge. The New Jersey producer's work for Lil B, A$AP Rocky, XV, Mac Miller and Soulja Boy is all about bringing poignancy and pathos to counteract the raw growls and robust brags that often emanate from the bold- print names at the microphone. Volpe's second collection of moody instrumentals shows how much he has developed in a short time. While the first instalment was a bolt from the blue, there's little sign here that he is just turning out the same tricks as before. From A$AP Rocky's skilfully arranged Palace to the thunderous drums and effects he unleashes on Mac Miller's Angels, Volpe never fails to innovate. The boom-bap has a brand new bag. soundcloud.com/clammyclams

Download tracks:Angels, Palace, Unchain Me