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Critic Reviews
90
In another world, the ‘Before’ EP would be the soundtrack to nights spent in dark venues and dawn journeys home under the harsh glow of bus lights. Until we get back there, it’s a great reminder of glory days that will find us again one day.
5y
80
On new EP ‘Before’, he takes this newfound freedom, albatross firmly removed from around his neck, and dives back into his love for club culture, bringing with him everything he’s learned along the way.
5y
77
Throughout Before, Blake strikes the perfect balance between his production and vocals – neither one overpowers the other and are both equally important in making the record what it is.
5y
70
A project which doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of his studio albums, the Before EP nevertheless reaffirms James Blake as one of the most exciting and era-defining artists currently working.
5y
Finally some new James Blake dance material. I've been a fan of this since his debut album. Easily the best EP i've heard this year, i hope he continues in this way. I expected just a bit more from Summer Of Now after the first 30 seconds.
FAVORITE TRACK: Before
This is an odd one...on one hand I feel like I could end up getting tired by this EP's sound, or absolutely fall in love with it over the coming weeks. As a massive James Blake fan, I hope it's the latter. But for now it's an excellent little EP.
In classic James Blake fashion, it's a solid track list. One that you can both vibe to and/or really put your mind to.
Before In Its Right Before?
The interpolation of Kid A's intro in the second track is very good, and it felt pretty much like the Ratatouille meme. Seconds of vocals aside, this is very good, and the vocals add a lot to the production, which is also much more layered than the early '10 EPs one.
First half has some interesting stuff but is boring, second half is the better part of the EP, melancholic and beautiful in every sense of those words. Overall, mediocre proyect from James imo.
Best track: Do You Ever
(Originally written on 14 Oct 2020)
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Track List
| 1 | I Keep Calling 4:05 | 83 |
| 2 | Before 4:47 | 82 |
| 3 | Do You Ever 3:44 | 81 |
| 4 | Summer of Now 4:11 | 74 |
Total Length: 16 minutes
