“Louder Than Sound” is the latest full-length album by Blake, an outstanding English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Melksham. Consisting of twelve marvelous songs, it arrives as an adequate continuation of the remastered version of “Solomon’s Tump,” “Plainsongs,” and “The Book Of Love,” three full-lengths released during 2022 and 2023. Still, his latest piece of work carries many innovations in songwriting, composing, arranging, and producing, showcasing the natural progression of an already accomplished artist. Soundwise, Blake explores many different but complementary styles to illustrate such rich and luxurious sonic imagery. Perhaps power pop comes to mind first, as the artist intended to write and record a power pop album, but you’ll unquestionably hear how some other music genres found their way into this sonic equation. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from indie rock, psychedelic rock, rock ‘n’ roll, and blues, because this profoundly creative artist fully stacked his latest record with it. Of course, all these additional elements serve as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and details to elevate his music to new heights while he simultaneously remains loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with many different but complementary genres resulted in a comprehensive collection of catchy, memorable, engaging power pop tracks that will appeal to even the pickiest music enthusiasts.
This exceptional album commences with “She’s Inside My Heart,” a marvelous composition that vividly showcases Blake’s admiration for the power pop genre. He expertly blends the fundamentals of the genre with alternative and indie rock energy, achieving a rich, powerful, ear-appealing sound. The way guitars pair with his outstanding vocal abilities goes beyond comprehension so many times throughout the entire track while the rhythm section propels all the orchestrations to new heights. Then arrives “Lighting For You,” a beautiful song that continuously levitates between indie and power pop sound. The guitar interplay truly shines here, as the rhythm guitar delivers semi-distorted, jangly chord progressions and riffs while the lead guitar delivers many catchy themes, melodies, harmonies, and other sonic delicacies. It’s one of many standout tracks that proves Blake’s dedication to the craft. The artist delivers more bluesy rock vibes with “Sharks,” another excellent song where his talent shines. The wisely crafted, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics complement bluesy hooks and chord progressions, while Blake’s voice seamlessly balances low, mid, and high notes. It demonstrates his innovative and versatile style, and capability to write and compose songs in any style you could possibly imagine at the moment. “Business Hours” continues in the same tradition, but with more seventies rock incorporated along the way. This composition has such a beautiful chorus that immediately grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go long after it ends.
“Love X Forever” returns to more alternative and indie rock waters. This particular composition is a rock-solid proof of Blake’s dedication to the craft. It arrives with a perfect structure, garnered with many intricate segments, and superb orchestrations. It’s also nearly mindblowing how Blake balances calm, soothing, relaxing moments with much heavier, powerful, fully distorted segments. It’s a dynamic and groovy number where all the vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuvers resonate with such precision and finesse. “Disgues” is the sixth track on the album and one that brings even more music genres to the table. Besides vividly hearable indie rock elements, it seems that the artist incorporated some folk rock, acoustic rock, and ska elements. These styles suit them well, as he delivers another fascinating performance that will not only appear to power pop or indie rock fans but to even those who stumble upon these music genres for the first time. “Coming In From The Cold” is another standout track where Blake’s vocal performance takes centerstage, commanding attention and guiding listeners while the guitar interplay serves as an adequate backdrop for all those vocal maneuvers to shine upon. You’ll also notice how equally intricate, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines rumble beneath all those guitar layers, bringing more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while binding everything together with rhythmic sequences. It’s an excellent rock track that will immediately resonate with the crowd. “Strawberry Way” is such a beautiful power pop track that delivers only the finest qualities of the genre. The mesmerizing melodies glide over the subtle rhythm section while Blake’s vocal performance serves as a centerpiece, guiding listeners on such a cathartic sonic voyage.
“Everything About Her” is another standout composition that expertly combines indie, power pop, and seventies pop-punk. It’s a danceable, cheerful love song where the outstanding orchestrations and soulful vocal harmonies collide most beautifully. Blake is an incredible songwriter who knows how to deliver raw, sincere emotion with his music, and a ballad such as “Slippery Slope” is more than rock-solid proof. The subtly distorted guitar and stripped-down arrangements come as a bit of refreshment after the entire barrage of catchy, engaging, memorable power pop songs, and this track almost prepares the listener for the imminent closure of such a wonderful album. Still, “Something About You” is another energetic love song that brings another dosage of indie rock dynamics and power pop melodies to the table. With its profoundly intricate chord progressions, equally impressive low-ends, groovy beats, and hypnotic vocal harmonies, it represents such a treat for anyone looking for calm indie songs. “One By One” is another stripped-down ballad where the artist creates an intimate atmosphere with beautiful vocal harmonies and incredible chord progressions solely delivered on acoustic guitar. It’s such a perfect closure of an impressive full-length release.
Blake delivered another exceptional full-length album that will unquestionably resonate with the broader auditorium. His dedication to the craft, tremendous experience, boundless knowledge, mindblowing skills, and relentless talent go beyond comprehension so many times throughout the entire album. It’s one of the finest power pop-inspired indie rock albums you’ll experience this year, and you should immediately place “Louder Than Sound” on your music radar. It’s available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!
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