![]() ![]() A brief moment of silence then Blake drops in a steady beat, joined by synths that veer all over the place, darting in the background, totally at odds with the controlled emotion in Blake's voice as he continually repeats that same aforementioned lyric. ![]() A solitary keyboard line eventually rears it's head, flat at first, but building to a swell. It's at once personal and distant, a much needed catharsis which Blake has chosen to share with us. There is no back story to support this situation Blake finds himself in, he doesn't want to dwell on the reasons involved. A very human side to Blake shines through in these lyrics, you could almost sympathise with him in his plight, but you soon realise that your sympathy is not wanted here. The song starts off a cappella, with Blake repeating that same lyric over and over, each repetition adding a new layer of vocal, creating a wall of emotion, half regret, half resignation to the situation that befalls him. None more so than 'I Never Learnt To Share', with it's repeated refrain of "My brother and my sister don't speak to me, but I don't blame them". You can witness this balancing act on many of the tracks on James Blake. At times you think the whole thing could just capsize on itself but it never does, it keeps itself on that tightrope and reaches the other side in one piece. ![]() It's rare to find an album that can walk this line as expertly as this does. Whether that involves tampering with the pitch or timing of a vocal, or wobbles of sub bass engulfing a calm silence, he manages to offset his simple songwriting enough to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. This 10 seconds or so of music quite aptly serves as a template for the album as a whole: the stark beauty in simplicity being stretched to breaking point by the musical wizardry that Blake has at his disposal. In the opening bars of 'Unluck', you're met with a simple keyboard line and beat, but amongst the simplicity is thrown a mechanical crunch which seems to swallow the surrounding noise for a brief moment before allowing it to continue on it's desired path. Upon first listen, James Blake is a disorientating ride. I was notably impressed with what I had heard, and by the time I had finally got my hands on his debut LP, my expectations had hit a ridiculous height. My humbled car speakers were trying their best to keep up as the sub bass wobbled and the snare hits snapped, while in amongst the wreckage, a lone voice shone through, unusual yet familiar. This wasn't the average track you hear on primetime radio. I heard it while driving to the local supermarket. Unlike many, the first time I was introduced to the 21 year old producer was on last years breakthrough single, 'Limit To Your Love'. Understand my surprise then, or delight for that matter, when I heard that this years next big thing, the artist carrying the often unwanted burden this time around would be James Blake a man very much deserving of said praise. When I'm told that a band, or a singer songwriter or producer are going to be the next big thing, I greet the news with a certain skepticism that emphasises just how many times I've heard that praise, without the promise ever coming to fruition. Review Summary: At the age of 21, James Blake may well have produced a career best, an album that will take a hold of you and not let go. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |