Heavenly and haunting
James Blake’s impressive artistry is highlighted in a powerful show during his night of Little Simz’s Meltdown at Southbank Centre, writes Melina Block.
The Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter/producer proves he is as comfortable performing evocative melodies while playing the piano as he is mixing moody, electronic beats, across a versatile and gripping show.
As the piano swells and the lights dim, Blake’s stirring vocals fill the Royal Festival Hall and command silence. He effortlessly belts out a selection of songs, with his early hit ‘Retrograde’ proving particularly popular. In a switch-up characteristic of his musical range, Blake eventually switches from playing the piano to a full on techno set, before settling into the alternative-electronic groove of another earlier hit, ‘Life Round Here’.
Blake – not to be confused with pop singers James Blunt or James Bay; a common mistake, which I realised after several people seemed confused as to why either of these artists would be working with Little Simz – makes the kind of music that you would expect to hear in films. By that, I mean he has become an expert on crafting atmospheric, captivating tunes. Despite being strongly influenced by modern genres like dubstep, garage and hip hop, there is a timeless feeling to much of his work, reflecting his soul and gospel influences. He is just as much at home gliding his hands across piano keys as he is producing gritty beats, evidenced by a career that has seen him work with everyone from Bon Iver and Frank Ocean to Beyoncé and Travis Scott.
As a live performer, you get the sense Blake is not one to rush things. Every lighting change and song choice feels like it is carefully selected and thoroughly rehearsed, resulting in a slick and spectacular performance. By the time Blake has reached his final song he is playing the organ, a suitably spiritual instrument for a set that has been equal parts heavenly and haunting.
Meltdown details: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/events/meltdown/
