“Overgrown” James Blake’s sophomore
release came out only days ago yet the buzz surrounding it couldn’t be greater.
To coincide with the album James embarks on a short sell-out UK
Est.1987 headed down to the Manchester Academy
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| James Blake on stage at the sold out Manchester Academy 2 |
A
towering figure, James Blake takes to the stage quiet and unassuming and places
himself seated behind his keys. The crowd’s excitement is hard to contain and
the heat in the packed room soars, however as the set begins the entire venue
is undoubtedly silent. Echoic throughout, songs such as “I Never Learnt To
Share” effortlessly command serenity. Whilst some songs are stripped back,
others such as album title track “Overgrown” are building; a gradual layering
of sounds.
“Overgrown”,
the much anticipated follow up to James’ self-titled debut, has seen his
musical talent become more refined and mature. A man of very few words, the
words that he does utter are to thank the crowd and his guitarist and drummer.
Introvert and awkward on stage, his demeanor could be seen as disengaging;
however, clearly talented and very good at what he does the exact opposite is
true. It makes way for an engrossing live show, and as soon as James begins to
play he comes to life and wholeheartedly becomes absorbed by the song.
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| James Blake captivates the Manchester crowd |
Those
who were expecting an energetic show would have been sorely disappointed, yet
the live set manages to harness something entirely different. Atmospheric James
Blake is on point from beginning to end. However, songs such as the “CMKY” with
its upbeat fluctuating tempo and infectious hook, and “Digital Lion with its
gradually building heavy bass rhythm satisfy those keen to dance.
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| James Blake in Manchester |
“Limit
To Your Love”, James’ beautiful cover of Feist’s track is distinctive and
soulful and a firm crowd favourite, stirring the ambience in the room. Latest
single “Retrograde” closes the set and, much like everything that was played
before, shows off James’ smooth and slick musicianship.
James
teases the crowd by leaving the stage, but is cheered back on to officially
finish the set. The poignant and pained ballad “A Case of You”, originally by
Joni Mitchell, isn’t the uplifting final song that most bands would choose.
However, there is something so natural and unforced that the song mesmerizes
from beginning to close.
Dischordant
and angular, yet melodic and beautiful; James Blake, producer, DJ,
singer-songwriter, is a man of many guises. His melancholic hypnotizing songs
may demand a certain audience, willing to stand and take in subtle gestures, certainly
tonight he captivated and his success and resonance within the music industry
is surely only set to continue. 8/10
James Blake "Overgrown" is out now
