Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
There is a certain kind of loyalty which makes itself known when an artist can finish a project within a timeframe that to some may appear quick, but to others who understand fully that the dedication observed is one that has come from having, in essence, everything almost worked out before you even step inside a studio.
Whilst there is a commendable Avent Garde spirit to be found in going with the flow, the sense of structure could be found to be missing, or at least unseen by the naked emotion of those in the vicinity of the process and those to who will hear, sense, dream, or touch the result with adoration.
For the impressive John Blek, his new album, Until The Rivers Run Dry, is steeped in the assurance of continual and substantial inspiration, an album recorded in ten days but which has all the hallmarks of being a creation of wealth, of insightful progression, and one which inevitably shows the steady hand of determination to get the job done with sincerity and pleasure entwinned.
To be in the presence of beauty is an honour, and when one is so fortunate to do so, those rivers to which we follow on lazy summer days with our eyes half closed, and on winter terminations when the cascade threatens to overwhelm the banks, we can be assured that the river running dry is rare, but that we must preserve the dedication and resilience of the course of the river’s music if we are to be forever spellbound by its magic.
And it is magic, the result of perseverance and commitment, the steady cycle of passion and loyalty to one’s craft, and John Blek has that in spades, and as each track, from songs such as Restless Sea, Raven’s Cry, Come Undone, the divine opener of St. John’s Eve, and the finale of Floating Endlessly, the beauty of his observation has every stamp of approval possible sewn within in packaging.
May the river never become shallow, may the waters of inspiration occasionally lap at the edge of the banks, but never burst, for the constant flow is a must if loyalty to the craft is to be seen to be unwavering; and as Until The Rivers Run Dry holds firm, so does the huge appreciation and love for John Blek continue; and rightly so.
John Blek releases Until The Rivers Run Dry on February 17th. Ian D. Hall