A few weeks ago, I was driving home from a dinner party with a good friend, and she had James Blake’s newest album playing in her car. Somehow, this incredible artist had not come under my attention until this magical evening. Naturally, I asked her to turn up the volume and we took a few detours around the city while I got acquainted.
As we drove through the streets of Cape Town up to the iconic Signal Hill in the moonlight, I had the privilege of listening to each track on James Blake’s The Colour in Anything, released this year. While it’s near impossible to choose a favourite, I was especially struck by Bon Iver and Blake’s collaboration, I Need A Forest Fire. It is simply too striking to pass over. It’s a textured, moody song with thoughtful lyrics and just the right amount of repetition. As we drove, I found myself completely immersed in the piece, forgetting the things that had troubled me before I pressed play. It’s not the first time that Blake and Vernon have collaborated. They released a rather abstract, inaccessible piece called Fall Creek Boy’s Choir in 2011. It is wonderful to see the growth that has taken place in both artists’ approach to collaborating.
When you’re listening to James Blake, it’s hard to believe that he is an electronic producer. His sound has an incredible richness to it and a classic, timeless feel. Lyrically, his work has a modern literary feel. Mostly melancholic, it evokes a distinct mood and emotion that I am yet to hear elsewhere. In combination with Bon Iver’s minimalist, vocally driven style that is every bit as unique as Blake’s, the pair have created a warm, atmospheric piece that is every bit worthy of you hitting the repeat button.
So I encourage you to take a night time drive and turn up the volume on Blake and Vernon’s masterpiece, I Need a Forest Fire. For added enjoyment, listen to James Blake’s full album, you can find my feature about it just above this one.
