Photo: Peter Kaminski/WENN.com
Having conceived much of the material from his debut self-titled album during quiet moments of bedroom-based solitude, the progression of James Blake's career when album two came around was always set to be an interesting one.
The release in question was unveiled on Monday, and an indication the 24-year-old had no fear of the next step came when it was announced 'Overgrown' would feature cameos from musical royalty like Brian Eno and Wu-Tang's RZA.
But bringing the record to life on the live stage in the absence of such luminaries is a whole different challenge. Blake took to Manchester's Academy 2 last night to prove that he not only relishes that challenge but is all too capable of rising to it.
The set begins with the deep instrumental 'Air and Lack Thereof', which undoubtedly takes influence from Blake's time as a collaborator with electronic duo Mount Kimbie. The rendition culminates in a dose of pulsating bass that shakes the Academy to its foundations. Not a single word is uttered by the audience as an air of fixation takes over.
Many may say Blake's appeal is the seeming originality of his music, but a more accurate appraisal is that his effortless fusion of a cauldron of existing sounds that is most impressive.
The bass-heavy opener is followed up by a showcase of Blake's encapsulating vocal. 'I Never Learnt to Share' is apt as rather than harmonise with the members of his backing band, Blake loops his own vocal tracks over the top of each other.
'Lindisfarne' provides a moment of moody balladry that lowers the tempo, but is never at risk of losing anyone's attention- the reaction is wholly positive.
Blake's versatility then springs into action as he treats the crowd to an infectious performance of 'CMYK'. The song cut and pastes female vocals from Aaliyah and Kelis and redelivers them with a freshness that works perfectly in a small to medium venue.
Debut single 'Limit to Your' love is still a crowd-pleaser, but what would once have been pigeon holed as the standout of the set now sounds a little more ordinary alongside the intrigue of his latest material.
The set continues to dip and swerve through numerous genres- the bass-fuelled soul that some may see as Blake's signature is accompanied by trips into techno, electro, and R&B.
'The Wilhelm Scream' is an uplifting penultimate in the main set, and the singer-songwriter's confidence in his sophomore release is confirmed when he ends with recent single 'Retrograde'.
After leaving the stage, the deafening reaction of the crowd leaves Blake with no other choice but to return. "All you had to do was ask", he says as he re-emerges to play an all-together danceable version of 'Voyeur'.
Blake sampled Joni Mitchell's 'A Case of You' on two tracks found on his first album, leading to him releasing a full cover in 2011. The band disappear and as Blake sits alone, it is this that concludes the evening in poignant fashion.
When he gets up from his stool for the last time there is a mutual applause between him and the audience. 'Overgrown' has been integrated into the set perfectly. It demonstrates that despite his relatively tender years, and the broad collage of sounds he takes on, Blake cannot be considered as anything less than an accomplished and skilful performer.
