James Blake at Tabernacle

CRITIC'S PICK:
Wed. May 27
James Blake, Tabernacle - We are living in trying times, and many critics, music fans, and artists all have ideas on what the role of an artist is in these moments. Should they switch gears into politically charged music? Or should they provide sonic escapes for listeners who are just trying to get by on a day-to-day basis? Well, James Blake's newly released seventh studio album - as well as his first-ever independent full length - approaches that issue by just delivering the truth. "Trying Times" is melodic, somber, beautiful, moving, groovy, glitchy, and at times, just straight up weird. It's an amazing assortment of what has made James Blake so captivating throughout his career, and furthermore, it's an endearing companion piece to the trying times that we are pushing through every day. His show at the Tabernacle later this month feels mandatory. - joshua robinson