Dean Blunt - Black Metal 2

Rough Trade

The second album in Dean Blunt's 'Black Metal' series offers up a more succinct and concise project. At just over 20 minutes in runtime it pulls back on any overly lengthy expeditions and narrows its sights on a more fulfilling project.

Dean Blunt's voice sounds like its wrapped in multiple winter jackets. Cold as ice, akin to Leonard Cohen's 1969 album 'Songs of Love and Hate'. It's chilled below zero, yet resonates a warmth that's hard to describe. Fatherly in a sense, it feels like a re-affirmation that everything will work out, and if it doesn't the end is not nigh. Small victories are where the real fruit lies. One day at a time we live this life. Disappointment is inevitable, how you respond solidifies your character, it strengthens your roots.

It's been a while since something this fresh and effortless breached my ears. Cleansed, in a way. The intoxicating sound palette of heavy low end and light as a feather instrumentation sparks intrigue. The extremes of the album head in different directions, yet somehow always meet halfway. It creates an abundance of space, musically minimal to a degree, for spirit and essence to manifest.

Succumb to the late night lounge light vibes. Bask in the beauty of Dean Blunt's stripped back approach. Take a trip through melancholic pastures, draped in sullen smoothness. Not many projects have an aura quite like this.

Favourite Track: MUGU