"Plainsongs (Album)" by Blake
The album title reflects the stripped-down spirit Blake and his band infused into the backing tracks, recorded live in one room. The vocals are a sonic homage to Sun Studios, where Elvis unleashed his rock ‘n’ roll fire, and John Lennon later rekindled.
The title also winks at medieval ‘plainsong’ and the blues-rock Spiritual, “Plainsong/Hear Me, Jesus” kicks off with a touch of ancient plainchant. The album’s cover art seals the deal.
New Cut Studios owner, Scot McKenzie, and tape engineer, Drezz, caught Blake and his band performing live in the studio over a series of sessions in March and April this year. The songs capture the musical essence of the era Blake admires so much; in fact, ‘Make Love Not War’ could easily pass for a late sixties release. Unfortunately, its message remains as pertinent as ever.
If you love the Velvet Underground, you’ll be hooked by ‘Siren Song’, a hypnotic tune that channels their spirit. And if you’re a fan of the Stones or the Faces, you’ll dig ‘Sweet Country Lady’, a raunchy rocker that oozes swagger. The album also features some psychedelic gems, such as ‘Hear Me, Jesus’, a trippy jam that blends Hendrix and Traffic, and ‘Hideaway’, a free-flowing opener that recalls Spirit and Free.
But this is not just a retro trip. Some songs break the mould and show a modern edge. ‘I Wish I Had Never Believed In Love’ has a dark Stranglers vibe, while ‘I’m The One’ and ‘Out of Reach’ pack a punch with their punk and grunge influences. And ‘Time for a Change’ is a jangly pop song that nods to The La’s and R.E.M. as well as to the legendary ‘B’ bands of the sixties.
Plainsong is an album that celebrates the roots of rock ‘n’ roll and pays tribute to some of its greatest artists. Blake and his band deliver a raw and authentic sound that captures the spirit of the sixties and beyond. From blues-rock to psychedelic to punk, the album offers a diverse and exciting musical journey that will appeal to fans of classic and modern rock alike. Plainsong is a testament to Blake’s passion and talent as a songwriter and performer.
