With a name like 'retrograde,' a solemn, soul-searching backbone and the new potent R and B undertones (with emphasis on the ‘blues’), this track is powerfully emotive and addictive. If you’ve got a mellow mood to satisfy, feeling some educational down time, or possess the need to feed on minor-toned material packing a punch, this entry by James Blake is the one.
It’s kinda jazzy, kinda juicy, rich with lyrics and vocals, and fuelled by a combination of complimentary and clashing sustained chords. 'Retrograde' is the new single written by Blake himself, accompanied by Litherland, from Blake’s most recent album ‘Overgrown.' Known for his eerie electro attitude and those sustained melodic notes throughout every track, 'Retrograde' is a strong Spring entrance following ‘Life Round Here’ with Chance the Rapper earlier this 2014. This rap collaboration is the start of his demonstration of an evolved musical attitude.
The former self-titled album contained unprecedented pent-up energy and intelligently orchestrated build-ups. In short, he shaped an undeniably, emotionally-charged and whimsical track listing, including the likes of ‘Limit To Your Love’ and ‘The Whilhelm Scream’- the latter a personal favourite. This time round, Blake is pulling through some new, alternative energy that employs stronger beats and consistent pace within his music. I think it is marvellous how he can master the fusion of electro-rap, RnB, techno genres without creating complete pandemonium, whilst interjecting some ‘urban,’ tacky-free. The production is truly inspiring.
The former self-titled album contained unprecedented pent-up energy and intelligently orchestrated build-ups. In short, he shaped an undeniably, emotionally-charged and whimsical track listing, including the likes of ‘Limit To Your Love’ and ‘The Whilhelm Scream’- the latter a personal favourite. This time round, Blake is pulling through some new, alternative energy that employs stronger beats and consistent pace within his music. I think it is marvellous how he can master the fusion of electro-rap, RnB, techno genres without creating complete pandemonium, whilst interjecting some ‘urban,’ tacky-free. The production is truly inspiring.
In general he has the gift of subtlety and immaculate climax timing on his side. After a rich, deeply compassionate development in 'Retrograde's' beginning, delivered through his ever elegant and delicate vocal manner, you are stunned by this fabulously sharp drop, that not only cuts off the immense wall of sound from a dense crescendo of synthesizer chords, but also triggers a refreshing relaxation period of 'sparkle' thereafter. This conclusive section of a reduced volume to fade, and the sprinkling of the melodic motif humming really is magical and satisfying after such an intense central part. The bass reappears more pulsing and obvious, it's gorrg!
From personal digestion, 'Retrograde' circulates around a very intimate moment between two people, with a poetic, encouraging monologue narrating the moment. It's pretty much a calling for a reality check in the form of a 'sudden hit', the scattering of metaphors and his firm, empathetic vocal tone towards the girl he's addressing, reciting a dark period in her life. It's a rather accessible track with a meaning left open and malleable to a wide listening audience, love themes identifiable. We are led to believe that only she can tap into that positive transformation zone and climb out of her own subjective 'dip'/reality she has constructed...yeah deep I know, but it happens to the best of us. If only we all had that compassion of JB to give us a loaded chat in a dark room (where I imagine this scene), to slap us out of sh*t creek...
In summary, watch out for the superlatively satisfying hit three-quarters of the way in, the state of bliss you experience after listening to his musical narrative in entirety, and identifiable other genre ingredients that have sprinkled their influence and ‘funk’ about the place. 8/10 James Blake.
