James Blake

Grammy winner James Blake is one of modern music’s most influential innovators, renowned for his distinct sound,high-profile collaborations and deeply emotional, soulful tracks. However, his live shows often come as a surprise. He doesn’t just make the audience cry — he delivers a full journey packed with light shows and heavy bass, turning the venue into something like a nightclub. His newest record, Trying Times, blends genres smoothly, ranging from ‘Doesn’t Just Happen’ (featuring Dave) to ‘I Had a Dream She Took My Hand’. It’s a versatile mix of sounds that proves exactly why he is such a successful artist.

Blake took over the Bristol O2 Academy for two nights, with support from Monica Martin, who opened for him at London’s Southbank Centre in June 2025. She also features on the album’s ‘Didn’t Come to Argue’, so her presence felt like a natural fit for the tour. Martin was very chatty and intimate with the crowd, and her soulful songs got the room ready for the main act. Accompanied by Quinn Oulton on guitar, she talked openly about life.

When Blake took the stage, he immediately held the room captive, opening with a stripped-back performance of ‘Walk Out Music’ that showcased his flawless vocals. The transition from delicate piano ballads to massive, room-shaking electronic drops was incredible to experience live. Tracks from the new album took on a completely new life, with the heavy bass reverberating through the floor while the light design matched every beat. Between songs, he was soft-spoken and genuinely appreciative of the energy in the room, striking the perfect balance between a massive electronic show and a personal, close-up performance. His setlist brought together fresh material and fan-favourite classics such as ‘Radio Silence’, ‘Retrograde’ and his iconic cover of Frank Ocean’s ‘Godspeed’. He also wove in live mixes, incorporating tracks such as ‘Life Round Here’. Throughout the night, Blake took time to connect with the audience, reflecting on his beginnings in music and sharing why Bristol holds a special place in his heart. He noted that the new record was created nearby — much of it was made at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios — which made performing there all the more meaningful.

Overall, the night was a complete triumph in live music production. Blake proved once again that he can command an audience whether he’s singing a quiet piano melody or driving a heavy electronic set. If you get the chance to catch him live, it is an absolute must-see.