James Blake - CD Review

James Blake James Blake One part classical, one part dub-step-fused modern pop, shaped by progressive electronic sounds and various shades of keyboard magic, James Blake has a voice that is as sensitive and yearning as Justin Vernon or Tom Yorke. His debut LP is as intriguing in its singularity as its contents are powerful.I caught NPR’s First Listen on Blake as I was getting into bed for the evening. With eyes closed, I was really able to experience the vast textures and a “remix” sound that is impressive from a production standpoint. Twenty-one-year-old Blake put out three EPs in 2010, and despite hardly performing live, it seems the hype around this release could make him an international superstar. The chest-rattling bass of “Limit to Your Love” sent a picture frame flying off my desk, while Blake’s falsetto on “Unluck” is unsettling, and his usage of thrilling crescendos throughout this set are sharp.Just when you think that pop music is getting stale and re-hashed, prepare for London-based Blake to introduce you to a rare fusion of singer-songwriter dub-step.This piece appears in Jackson Hole Weekly - JHWeekly.com