Can I offer you a new James Blake album in these Trying Times? Without the use of any visual gimmicks, grand set pieces, or high flying backflips off of pianos, James Blake was able to put together a performance that was relentlessly exciting recently at The Anthem. A combination of thoughtful lighting and jaw dropping vocals, backed by a talented live band created such a moving experience.
To open up on June 2 was Atlanta rapper Swavay, whose debut album landed him a record deal with Metro Boomin’s label Boominati Worldwide. As Metro Boomin’ and James Blake have collaborated on several projects, adding this tour to their long running, successful relationship. Swavay’s set lasted about 22 minutes, but in that time, he was able to get a substantial amount of crowd engagement. On his final song, he was able to get the whole crowd to pull out their phone lights and sway them back and forth.
Out of the shadows came the tall Brit, with a nonchalant demeanor that was hard to look away from. The pulsating track “Walk Out Music” filled the venue as he took the stage and the symmetrical nature of the band behind him, all slightly angled in the same direction made it feel as if James was being flanked by animatronics, heavily leaning into an industrial motif. Having nearly all the recorded instrumentals played live in combination with James’ raw vocals is talent his fans have to expect at this point. His performance of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed” had the crowd oohing and ahhing for its entire runtime, leaving everyone motionless in amazement.
On the other hand, it was a challenge to find a motionless soul when he sang the fast paced hit “Thrown Around.”
Watch the official music video for “Thrown Around” by James Blake on YouTube:
Part of the thrill of a James Blake show is just how wide of a range of genres he covers in his discography, making his live setlists a healthy mix of ballads and roof raisers. The emotional rollercoaster was perfectly encapsulated by a couple standing in front of me. Through the first leg of the show, they were moving and grooving with a childlike joy that was hard to ignore. However, as time passed the relationship began to crumble and suddenly the boyfriend was chasing his disgruntled lover across the pit, doing what he could to reconcile their union. It’s unclear how they ended up, but that is exactly the kind of ride James Blake can take you on.
That emotional rollercoaster continued on to the lighting of the show, which truly transformed the show into an immersive experience. The amount of character and motion the light technicians were able to produce made the very much statuesque James Blake feel endlessly in motion. Every moment felt deeply considered, every song had its own identity. Much of the show consisted of clean, white light with moments of blue hues. Then a curveball was thrown with “I’ll Come Too” where the stage was illuminated with a soft pink, to accompany the love song.
Watch the official music video for “I’ll Come Too” by James Blake on YouTube:
Then during “Rest Of Your Life” the venue was transformed into a rave, with disorienting flashing lights flooding the walls. Only used once, the most interesting effect of the night came when a single light in front of James and the band tracked across the stage, plastering their shadow behind them, moving and changing size as it made each pass. The life it all brought was reminiscent of a Gesaffelstein show, which is understandable given Blake’s history as a producer. It’s also worth noting that the person who seemed to be dancing the most throughout the night was the light technician himself.
The encore of the show felt like a foil to the rest of the show. Gone were the flashing lights and four piece band, all that was left was James and his Piano. The stripped down closure of the show was a sudden reminder of the unbridled talent we all paid to see. Even though everyone knew it was coming, the crowd erupted the moment he began to hum the beginning melody of “Retrograde.” He ended the show with a barebones rendition of “Say What You Will” as if to leave us with one last pure moment with his voice. Then just as he entered, he stood up and walked away as if what he just did was nothing of note.
Here are some photos of James Blake performing live at The Anthem on June 2, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Roman Meerzaman.
Here are some photos of Swavay opening James Blake at The Anthem on June 2, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Roman Meerzaman.
