The much anticipated sophomore effort from James Blake is here! Overgrown comes just two years since Blake's breakout debut, and finds the young UK producer delving fully into his sound. The whole album is a intense and introspective experience - even with a guest a verse from the RZA (on "Take A Fall For Me"), there is nothing for the dancefloor here. Instead, your ears are treated to lush, melancholic textures, haunting melodies, and slow burning rhythms that transport you to a very personal space, a beautiful sonic reality. As much as I'll miss Blake's early instrumental dubstep experiments, the awesomeness of his current musical direction cannot be denied - and as a singer/song writer, the music contained here is proof that he is on a whole other level. 10 tracks total on 180g vinyl, housed in beautiful gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Republic Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013