THIS showcase for Blake’s experimental style means there are no choruses or rhythm, but underneath all the digital trickery and drum samples there’s a humanity to each track, thanks to an outstanding voice.
Best example of this comes on I Never Learned To Share, with a single, mournful line repeated over and over until it loses meaning, but the sentiment is unmistakeable. Why Don’t You Call Me and The Wilhelm Scream also stand out, with Blake’s voice frequently, and surprisingly, echoing Nina Simone in style and tone.
Importantly, his constant disguise under a cloud of autotune is the first time in recent history the device has improved the work of a performer – helping the humanity of his voice blend more easily with the electric beeps and clicks. Moody, atmospheric and a challenging listen, this is sure to live up to the Sound Of 2011 hype dished out by the BBC.
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