The return of James Blake! Well before the young London crooner crooned and made the world go mad for his avant brand of R&B he made some of the most esoteric post dubstep inspired productions. From early work on Hessle Audio, Hemlock, and R&S his cult following began with a strong set of EPs and singles that combined soulful UK flavored keys atop the wonkiest of beats with nary a JB vocal in sight. While we love his vocal work as well, it is extremely exciting to hear lord Blake going back to his roots on 200 Press. Pressed on his own label 1-800 Dinosaur it feels as if he knows very well his life is lived in two lights now, one for the new fans and one for the diehards. The four track EP is spread across a single 12" & bonus 7". Stand out cuts include the title track '200 Press' which harkens back to his "Harmonomix' alias and 'Build It Still' combines his signature piano alterations and sparse programming that is beautifully haunting.

• music label: 1-800 Dinosaur 2014

reviewed by Serf Bored 1/2015