James Blake has made some new friends while keeping one foot firmly in the underground. With a truly impressive list of production credits over the last few years (Kendrick, Beyonce, Vince Staples...), it’s clear that the world has caught up to his downcast 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 a moody 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.

• gatefold jacket w/ printed innersleeves
• digital download included
• music label: Republic Records 2019

reviewed by M CK Y 04/2019