{Blake} is an indie French musical collective whose music borrows the rich verses and the Romantic fervour of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. Performing since 2007, {Blake} have been mastering their music for a while now, and they have released four albums as part of this literary-musical project
Their fourth studio album, ‘IV. Here & Now’ fuses Blake’s pastoral imagery and the simplicity of childhood with art rock music that’s full of charm and delight. A 13-track, 46-minute compilation of Blake’s poetry, the album blends theatrical expression with folk-inspired instrumentation in a glorious interpretation of one of English literature’s most visionary poets. The songs bring Blake’s romantic fervour to light with chamber, folk-inspired soundscapes that embrace classical 19th-century motifs through lucid yet surreal poetic genius. The rich theatrical vocals sound profound, along with a layered acoustic instrumentation that thrives on rich violin, keyboards and experimental arrangements. Leaning into the experimental-folk genre, the album ventures into a variety of rock motifs and folk styles that add an ornamental quality to the songs, perfectly complementing Blake’s romantic lyrical writing.
Evoking the timeless beauty of Blake’s poetry are all the raw instruments such as violins, drums, guitars, double bass, keyboards, mandolin and banjo that come together to give these centuries-old lyrical songs and ballads a distinctly contemporary yet musically distinct identity. The album opener ‘Introduction (Experience)’ immediately establishes an air of dramatic quality through layered instrumentation, nuanced vocals and a grand theatrical arrangement. The song is followed by Blake’s one of the most popular poems, ‘The Chimney Sweeper (Experience)’, which beautifully captures the melancholy behind the child’s helplessness and social anguish underlying Blake’s poem. What brings forth a poignant quality is rich folk sensibilities and beautiful violin passages that together make the song truly impactful.
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However, one of the most remarkable and soul-touching numbers is ‘Ah! Sun-Flower’ that beautifully pairs the warm, melodic arrangement with the despair that’s originally reflected in the poem. What elevates the soulful quality of the tracks is the gentle vocal delivery and the instrumental genius that make Blake’s words come alive like never before.
The album has tried its best to do justice to Blake’s original intent through sonic textures and soundscapes that truly make you travel back in time. With smooth keyboard, a violin that simply exudes grace and restrained percussion that feels like balm to the soul, this album deserves a place in your playlist for its genius interplay between music and literature!
Listen to the album right here:
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I hoard up thoughts, pieces, and souvenirs, which you could only have a glance of through my words...
