Deborah McArthur gives her verdict on Blake's recent appearance at Nice and Sleazy's.
Em...James Blake. OK, well what’s there to say about him? Runner up in the BBC’s sound of 2011 poll. Electronic composer. Likes to leave long gaps in his music. Has an interesting tone to his voice. Those were pretty much my thoughts before going to see him at Nice and Sleazy’s.
The venue sucked – couldn’t see a thing. So, OK, I’m only 5’6 and everyone at the gig was 5’8 and above and stood at the front making it impossible for small people like me to see, and the stage isn’t raised so I had no chance.
His support act was very much like him. Because we couldn’t see, we thought the support act actually WAS James Blake! Lol!! At the end of their set they thanked the crowd and told us they were Cloud Boat, so if you are into James Blake, give them a listen as well.
James’ set was slick, original and interesting. However, there was nothing in it that I don’t get from listening to the album. There is no doubt the guy is a genius and has put his experimental sound in the mainstream allowing it to reach people (like me) who wouldn’t normally listen to this type of music, but there was no live performance. His work is so technical. In fact, during To Care (Like You) it sounded like a woman’s vocals but it turns out to be James singing and his magical equipment altering his voice.
The one thing I absolutely loved about the set was the bassy dub sound which pounded out of the speakers in the tiny venue and just took over your body. However, I wanted it to really go mad. The raver inside me wanted everyone to start moving but the crowd was way too cool for that, and that I think was my problem: I’m not cool enough to enjoy that sort of subdued intellectual gig. I want performance, and to be able to move my feet.
I totally recommend getting his album, but I wont be going back to see him unless he decides to add in some visual performance elements as I can get everything I need from listening to the album.
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