James Blake has to be listened to multiple times to absorb his lofty intentions. His vocals, rhythms, mixing, glitching, and circular momentum all move forward with reflection, vulnerability, and at times crystal clarity. The EP is a culmination of his musical experience and collaborations with brilliant producers like Mount Kimbie’s Dominic Maker. The first track, I Keep Calling, begins with a gut-punching sample from Charlotte Day Wilson’s tour de force “Falling apart.” The title, Before, is a reference and recall back to Blake’s early days as a club DJ and Producer and pronunciation of Blake’s new-found creative rebirth – and an insight to the direction of his uniquely exhilarating new sound. James Blake.
The artist had produced videos for each of the 4 tracks on Before.
