On a typical Monday night at the Paradise Rock club in Boston, concertgoers queued up outside awaiting their X’s and wristbands in anticipation of seeing esteemed British electronic artist, James Blake. Although still relatively new to the American music scene, Blake released a self-titled album earlier this year along with several EPs.
Blake’s ethereal vocals, enhanced by the infamous auto-tune, perfectly complemented the Boston rain. Concertgoers, however, were not deterred. Even during his opening banter, Blake commented that he was unable to further enhance the mood with the smoke machine due to strict restrictions at the Paradise. After mesmerizing the crowd with his British accent, Blake charmed the audience with his fragile electronica.
Blake’s cross-genre sound is definitely what sets him apart from other emerging artists. Although he is described as an “electronic composer,” Blake has heavy dub influences that are seamlessly integrated into his lyrical electro-pop style. In fact, Blake’s sound is very similar to electro-alternative artist Bon Iver, who Blake recorded the single, “Fall Creek Choir Boys,” with back in August.
Blake started the show at his keyboard with the 70’s influenced “Unluck,” as two other band members jumped in to provide beats and instrumentation for each of the tracks thereafter. Still maintaining a close relationship with auto-tune Blake performed the mostly instrumental “Tep and the Logic” and “Lindisfarne 1” and “Lindisfarne 2”, which are reminiscent of Bon Iver’s “Woods.” Although Blake brings a great deal of stylistic innovation to the table, he is a composer first, and a song writer second, meaning his lyrics are often repetitive – by no means the material of a pop masterpiece. However, this slight disjoint between quality of lyric and accompaniment actually works for Blake as it adds to the angst ridden, auto-tuned mood.
The show gained speed as Blake played fan-favorite “CMYK,” a dub influence piece that forced the crowd to respond. Another definite crowd pleaser was Blake’s cover of “Limit Your Love” – originally recorded by Feist on her 2007 album The Reminder. Blake’s version is seemingly more popular and debuted on British Charts at #47 in November 2010.
Blake finished the show with his most recognizable song to date, “Wilhelm Scream.” Amidst the final applause, Blake reclaimed the stage for his two-song encore, leaving his audience with the somber “Once We All Agree.”
Overall the show was a great exhibition of new talent by Blake as he continues to tour the States. As an innovative young artist, James Blake is definitely an act to keep your eye on.
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