CD: 839432
RELEASED: 2006
LABEL: Vice

01. The Crying Room
02. Forgiveness
03. Freedom
04. These Young Dudes
05. I Got What I Wanted
06. If You Don't Want Me
07. New Year's Wish
08. Storms
09. Blue Sky Calling

"The Crying Room" is the sixth studio album by Perry Blake, a Sligo-born singer who has built a solid following around Europe from his base in France. Perry Blake's music calls for descriptions like melancholic', 'ethereal' and 'atmospheric' - all immaculately-crafted synth soundscapes and breathy vocals similar to David Sylvian's solo records. In general, think of Damien Rice crossed with Tindersticks (the latter's Dickon Hinchcliffe is a regular Blake collaborator), with the emphasis on the former's artistic pretensions. Perry Blake's latest offering is as intriguingly melodious as its predecessors, but Blake has pared the production back this time around, making 'The Crying Room' a more intimate listen. The album really hits its stride with the achingly beautiful second track 'Forgiveness'. The combination of Blake's measured voice, the music and the lyrics gives it a very sumptuous feel, despite the fact that piano and strings are really the only instruments we hear very much of, with atmospheric wind instruments added here and there. Blake's harmonious vocal is the highlight of the collection, touching emotions that other male vocalists don't approach. The stripped down production of this album is a good move, as it allows us to really hear Blake. Listening to 'If You Don't Love Me' or 'Blue Sky Smiling', it becomes clear that there aren't many male singers who can do what Blake does so effortlessly. If you're already a Perry Blake fan, this is a lovely addition to your collection, if not, then 'The Crying Room' is the perfect way to discover an artist that we don't hear enough of.

Influences / Similar Artists:
David Sylvian, Tindersticks, Raskolnikov, Scott Walker