Blackbird Blackbird - Strawberry Light

Blackbird Blackbird
Strawberry Light
2015
Spotify

Strawberry Light is an interesting choice for producer Blackbird Blackbird. His album Tangerine Sky was released in 2014 however Strawberry Light is a collection of B-Sides and rarities both from those recording sessions as well as some older works. The only reason I am mentioning this is because after listening you will be absolutely shocked that this collection is not  an fully intentional release. Texture first and foremost is something that Blackbird Blackbird does incredibly well. Each layer of music adds to the already complex variety of this music. With the sounds that Blackbird Blackbird uses you would expect this to be highly avante garde and unapproachable, but the opposite is the case. Blackbird Blackbird manages to take these very artistic ideas and ground them in music that makes you want to dance. "Visionary" in particular feels quite ethereal and otherworldly. The original songs are the first seven minus track two with the rest of the record being made up of remixes and re-works. The mishmash however is never obvious, the songs all work together as they should on any great electronic record.  There is a soundscape created here that many people try to emulate, but it comes to Blackbird Blackbird almost organically.

Strawberry Light and most of Blackbird Blackbird's music in general sounds like it is completely natural. There is a lightness and spacial awareness to what He creates that you just can't find anywhere else. The title track "Strawberry Light" is perhaps the most approachable song on the record, but don't mistake that for it being a simple song. It is complex, surprising yet you can easily dance to it, something really really special, though it does end quite apruptly leaving you pining for more. There is very little in terms of vocals on Strawberry Light used most as punctuation rather than as the driving force of the song. The last four tracks, three of which are remixes, are where Blackbird Blackbird let's some of his compatriots take a stab at his music. These are all quite good, and though the styles differ artist to artist they all work incredibly well. Strawberry Light for Blackbird Blackbird may just be an excuse to get this music out there, but for the fans this really is a super solid record. Don't let this one pass you by.

7.9 out of 10