As 2010 marches on, James Blake continues to carve out a unique niche for himself in the world of electronic music. Even more impressive than his small but striking catalogue is the fact that he’s already venturing into new sonic realms. “I Only Know (What I Know Now)” is a track from what will be the third EP this year for the 21-year-old. The song is about as sparse as they come: Blake carefully allows a few sounds to trickle into a vacuous soundscape where they quickly disperse, and notable portions of the song are completely silent, but he makes every note count. Pound for pound this is one of the most emotionally resonant songs in recent memory.
Initially, it sounds like a fairly random arrangement. Warbling, pitch-shifted vocal samples are stretched over rubbery piano chords that slowly shuffle into the stillness, then jump back out only to wander off again. It’s the percussion, which consists of a dusty kick drum, handclaps and some hi-hat, that give the track a pulse about a minute into the proceedings. These ingredients continue to playfully bounce off each other incongruously to stunning effect, evoking sadness, hope and fear all at once. Using what sounds like spare parts, Blake has crafted an immaculately nuanced track, solidifying himself as one of the most interesting and promising new producers to emerge this year.
I Only Know What I Know Now- James Blake by Anorak London
[from Klavierwerke EP, out now via R&S]
