EP Review James Blake - Before
3-5 StarsFor a pleasant stop-gap release, James Blake delivers.

That the sleeve for ‘Before’ features James Blake’s reflection juxtaposed with the out-of-focus lights of (presumably) night-time Los Angeles is fitting; this four-track is the post-club, DJ deep-dive side of James Blake; the closest to a wistful piano ballad on show is closer ‘Summer of Now’ - and with a title like that, who can blame him. Heady vibes are largely the order of the day (or night), with opener ‘I Keep Calling’ a slow-burning earworm, and ‘Before’ lightly hinting at euphoria before ‘Do You Ever’ emerges with a creeping hook. World-changing? Probably not. But for a pleasant stop-gap release, James Blake delivers.
Records & Merch

James Blake - Before EP 12 Inch Vinyl
£14
More like this

Hall Of Fame: James Blake, ‘James Blake’
This trailblazer of a debut album from 2011 kickstarted a sound that went on to dominate pop music in the following years. Before long, Beyoncé, Kendrick and Frank were picking up the phone…

James Blake releases ‘Famous Last Words’ video
Lifted from last month’s album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’.

James Blake teams up with slowthai for new version of ‘Funeral’
It follows the release of James’ latest album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart’.

James Blake - Friends That Break Your Heart
A record that simultaneously expands on his delicate production and sees him fully embrace his singer-songwriter alter ego.