Perry Blake 'California' album

When Perry Blake released his first, eponymously-titled, album with Polydor in 1998 there was a buzz of expectation in industry circles. Here was a rare package: an articulate songwriter with an exceptional melodic sense who understood, instinctively, the art of constructing a pop song. Citing influences as various as European cabaret, west coast funk, and 60's & 70's film scores (especially Bacharach and Barry), Blake compiled a collection of songs that uplifted with their melodic hooks as much as they saddened with their glimpses into the damaged or disappointed lives of his characters.

The reaction to his debut album was ecstatic. A number of music magazines tipped Perry Blake as the "next big thing". Meanwhile, Universal swallowed Polygram, and anything that wasn't Britney was booted out. The musical antennae of the French however had been picking up something distinct and original from across the water. (The album went Top 40 in France), and already Blake was becoming a cult figure there. He was soon signed by hip French label, na?ve, for his second album.

"Still Life" was released in December 1999. His reputation extended beyond his French fan base to other European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy and Greece. However, he remained virtually unknown in Britain and his native Ireland. After touring the songs in Europe, to increasingly enthusiastic audiences and to massive critical acclaim, Blake went back into the studio having been invited to write the soundtrack for a French film "Presque Rien". Three new songs were recorded and combined with cuts from "Still Life". This EP soundtrack for "Presque Rien" was released in May 2000.

More live dates followed in Europe, to growing audiences. One of these, at the Cirque Royal in Brussels for Belgian cultural week, became a live album released in September 2001. "Broken Statues" saw the songs from the earlier albums deconstructed and re-invented with the Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles. The album's austere arrangements and emotional directness again drew glowing reviews from the European music press with Holland & much of Scandinavia now joining in singing his praises.

And so Perry is prepared to take the US by storm. The new studio album "California" is due in October, and the songs bristle with an excitement and immediacy that demand attention. Recorded with a live band over a 12-day period last autumn in Belgium and co-produced by Italian composer Marco Sabiu, the album draws comparisons with classic old Motown, using lush strings, brass and choral arrangements. It has always been difficult to find a box to put Blake's music in, but with "California" he has made a record that is instantly recognisable as Perry Blake. Initial listening may give the impression of a more upbeat sound, but this album works in a very subtle way. Beneath the accomplished and confident surface lies the old cast of characters - the loners, the lost, the defeated lovers, who drift through the songs like actors in old monochrome movies.

The "California" of the title is not so much a place as a mood, or an emotional state, which keeps them going; keeps them dreaming. The songs are all the more affecting because the lyrics and mood often subvert the musical arrangements and production.

We suggest giving it a listen.

Established fans will not be disappointed. They may, however, have to make space for new admirers, because "California" seems certain to change Perry Blake's status as one of Europe's best-kept musical secrets.

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Tracklisting

Perry Blake - California