In The Neighbourhood comes on like a modern day version of a lost song from Marvin Gaye’s classic What’s Going On, the same subtle blend of smooth soul and restrained funk, confident vocals and percolating keyboard swirls. Whereas Gaye had a lot to get off his chest, Blake seems more content with his lot, but ultimately like Gaye’s writing at the time of that classic album, In The Neighbourhood is very much a love song, a song of solidarity, community and togetherness.
Blake is a master of threading smokey late night vibes through smooth musical landscapes, it is both effortlessly groovesome and wonderfully life affirming, it is heartfelt and reflective with just a hint of world weary resignation asking “when is it going to get easier?” As a single it is a fantastic calling card for Edward Blake and his ability to create sweet and soulful music, just imagine what a whole album might sound like? Luckily you don’t have to imagine just pick up a copy of Togetherness Triumphant for the answer.
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