Before
Having explored the themes of vulnerability in his latest album ‘Assume Form’, James Blake uses the content of his 7th EP ‘Before’ to further come out of his shell. In this latest body of work, the musician fuses his signature otherworldly synths with cutting-edge takes on house music rhythms, as well as delving into the themes of unconditional love and insecurity in his lyrical content. The EP is a drastic shift from the eerie melancholy sounds of his first three albums, yet retains the distinct James Blake touch, convincing the listener of his artistic range.
James Blake’s ‘Before’ is the testimony that not all art runs on pain. Security and evolution in a long-term relationship is a theme that is explored by few, yet one that Blake executes perfectly in this project. Reminiscing on the summer of 2015, the record conveys a feeling of bittersweet happiness and nostalgia through both the lyrics and the ethereal instrumentals.
“I don’t have to keep receipts any more
And I don’t have to stand by the door
’Cause you’re my family
You move me naturally ”
Blake reveals his earning to explore his buried passion for club culture as the inspiration behind the creative process for the EP. The broken house rhythms blend into piercing instrumental solos and soulful acapellas, with faint touches of hip-hop rhythms and repeated pitched vocals scattered throughout the four tracks. Kaytranada influences are most pronounced on ‘I Keep Calling’ and ‘Do You Ever’, as Blake infuses the funk house patterns with live instruments and evolving synths, birthing a sound that is both nostalgic and dynamic. The musician pays homage to his UK roots in the title track ‘Before’, merging garage beat patterns with glitchy computer samples.
The fourth track, ‘Summer of Now’, resembles the sentimental feeling of coming back from a rave at dawn, serving as the perfect EP finale. Reminiscing on his summer of 2015, Blake touches on the topics of maturity and growth, as well as failed romantic relationships. A heartfelt, prayer-like acapella accompanied by a church organ flows into a dynamic hip hop rhythm and flanged, pitched vocals, merging the boundary between the introspective persona of James Blake he has presented to the public since his first studio album in 2011 and the newfound personality he had developed over the past two bodies of work.
“I’m not the sum of all my worries
And I’m not the sum of yours
I’m not the summer of 2015
But I can be the summer of now”