James Blake at the Oran Mor Glasgow 2nd June 2011
Review by Pauline Keightley
'Unexpected Journeys'
Twenty-two-year old Blake, an electronic composer from London, performed his electronic dubstep piano tunes at OranMor to a young and upbeat crowd. His warmth and easy charm was inducive to a relaxed rapport with the audience at this packed venue, where he sang songs from his debut album, released in February 2011. He also performed his single 'Limit To Your Love' - a song by Canadian singer songwriter Feist which has disquieting pauses and thudding sub-bass.
His music created disjointed tempos with unexpected twists that were mournful and haunting. Blake uses his powerful voice as an instrument and assuredly it cracked and reached deep places whilst it also soothed and soared.
His songs are edgy and melodramatic leaving emotional questioning spaces. It's difficult to categorise his multi-layered music - perhaps post-modern and minimalist in the style of The XX with a sound that is totally of the moment. Blake has received strong industry backing and very good reviews. He has been described as the 'most experimental and original' artist to make the annual hotly tipped list. In 2011 he was announced as runner-up in the BBC's Sound of 2011 annual poll.
Blake was supported by Cloud Boats.
Review by Pauline Keightley (www.pkimage.co.uk)
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