James Blackshaw, “Cross,” The Glass Bead Game (Young God, 26 May 2009)
Young God is hosting this magnificent opening track to Blackshaw’s forthcoming album. Hard to believe that he can make such stratospheric leaps, but it is safe to say Blackshaw has never sounded better. The numerous triplets at play at the opening of this track somehow reinforce Blackshaw’s emotive streak—and the glissandi on the strings in the background rise his already powerful melody into a richer place. The wordless vocals courtesy of Lavinia Blackwall (Directing Hand) are reminiscent of some of Philip Glass’s best work. But it is Blackshaw’s guitar that spellbinds—a blistering torrent of notes, melody and, quite simply, ideas. That final raked chord chills. He is not one to shy away from writing something beautiful, nor of performing his compositions with grace and depth.
Young God release notes.
