Blindsight - ‘Blindsight ‘

London-based duo Blindsight (composed of producer Tom Baldwin and vocalist/producer Ruby Kane) gave us their unique and ethereal debut EP 'Channel Normal’ last year. Now, they return with a self-titled, full-length release, and as usual we’re in for some spectacular production and immersive instrumentation. But here ‘Blindsight’ shows an increased sophistication and maturity that takes their music to a whole new level.

Album opener ‘Part 1’ is a moody, instrumental statement of intent, with ominous intoned vocal sampling and raw beats. We transition quickly into ‘I See You In The Death of Me’, a whirlwind of synth and melancholy piano staccato. Kane provides haunting vocals that ebb and flow around the dreamy production. Almost immediately, the quality writing and production we were teased with by this year’s singles is on full display. It’s a natural step up from their debut EP, which continues to showcase their impressive ability and musicality. 'Tread Lightly’, first released as a single earlier this year, is a truly fantastic piece of trip hop psychedelia, with an infectious groove and ear-worm of a vocal melody.

‘Puppeteer’ features an intrepid beat, with snappy hi-hats and atmospheric synth strings, interminlging beautifully with Kane’s heart-rending voice and some schizophrenic chopped samples. The melody showcases a real pop sensibility that wouldn’t be out of place on a Portishead or Cocteau Twins record. ‘Shiver’ is a tight and beautifully produced number, continuing to showcase Blindsight’s ability to compose memorable melodies, all without losing their unique edge.

‘Own KindDon’t Lie’ transports us to a sweaty warehouse rave, with a head-banging beat and insistent groove which instantly grabs you. It’s an absolute standout track: simple, effective and undeniable. It deserves to be played at illicit squat parties everywhere, preferably with large helpings of smoke and neon.

Groovy palette-cleanser 'Part 2' transitions us into 'Fly Away', a dreamy soundscape of wistful piano atmospheres which meld into Kane's breathy alto in total hypnagogic bliss. Her delivery here gives heavy shades of Belinda Butcher of My Bloody Valentine in the best way possible. 'Shiny Things' is an ethereal warning against materialistic obsession, whose Arabesque motif flirts with the half-diminished scale, really sending the track into wonderfully spooky territory.

'Wasted' releases the tension; a stripped down dream-pop ballad with a beautiful, tear-jerking vocal performance. Orchestral strings crescendo harrowingly around Kane's voce and seemingly drown her out in poignant fashion as the song draws to a close. 'Gateway' brings us back on a high with some dark and groovy trip hop goodness, complete with reverb-drenched vocals and crisp drums. 'That's Life' is a fun coda with a bouncy soul chop and energetic boom bap beat, ending the record on a tantalising note.

But that's just where the group should leave it, as this latest record is a such a confident statement. Blindsight continue to come into their own as a creative force, blending genres and experimenting with new sounds. This release is a fantastic piece of work, and we cannot wait to hear what they have in store for us next. 

'Blindsight' is out now on Spotify and BandCamp.