Overgrown is English electronic musician James Blake’s latest offering. Produced by his own record label, this album explores his creativity and versatility. Blake’s voice is moving, filled with emotion and a rare ability to experiment with pitch and tones; switching from a high vibrato to deep and powerful tones, showing off his classical training.
The album opens with ‘Overgrown’ which explores the unique quality and range of his voice. It starts with simple piano chords and light percussion that gives his distinct voice emphasis and a vulnerability. Throughout the song the backing intensifies as he explores the possibilities that electronic music can offer until it almost overpowers his voice which draws you in and keeps you intrigued for the rest of the album.
And it doesn’t disappoint. Each new song brings unique twists that take some getting used to as he introduces you to new aspects of the genre that you wouldn’t expect as he explores dubstep, RnB and house influences.‘Retrograde’ has become the stand out track with its unusual combination of synthesized backing and soulful humming. The production earns it the accolade of Blake’s breakthrough song.
‘Our Love Comes Back’ is the most gentle and emotional track with its fragility, and proves his worth as a lyricist. ‘Life Round Here’ also stands out with its catchy lyrics and easy beat that builds until Blake lets go with a spontaneous burst of synths and then stripping it back creating two different songs in one.
Tracks such as ‘DLM’ show the power of a soulful but bleak ballad and feels like his most personal track, whereas ‘Digital Lion’ and ‘To the Last’ explore his wilder and freer self.
The bonus track ‘Every Day I Ran’ is so different from the rest of the album that it’s a bold but oddly jarring move as you are shaken out of the atmospheric crooning of James to a heavier beat and contrasting voice of ‘Big Boi,’ an unusual choice and a disappointing end to an otherwise great album.