James Blake has made some new friends while keeping one foot firmly in the underground. With a truly impressive list ofproduction creditsover the last few years(Kendrick, Beyonce, Vince Staples…), its clear that the world has caught up to hisdowncast dubstep-inspired style. The shared DNA of electropop and hip hop has been discussed to death, but Assume Form sees Blake finding new points of both comparison and contrast, technicolor pop flourishes brightening his typically dreary work.Into The Red sports Yeezus-style vocoder, and Mile High has a ruthless Hot 97 kickdrum supplied by Metro Boomin‘. “Tell Them” is amoody duet featuring plucked strings and heavenly falsetto vocals by Moses Sumney, while “Don’t Miss It” sees Blake oh so alone again, save for his piano. Travis Scott hooks it up on Mile High,and Andre 3000 rips through a double-time freestyle on “Where’s The Catch?”. This LP comes pressed on double black vinyl, digital download included.

• gatefoldjacket w/ printedinnersleeves
• digital download included
• music label:Republic Records 2019

reviewed by M CK Y 04/2019