Sasquatch 2015: James Blake's smooth lyrics draw a crowd

With the stages quite well spaced at the Sasquatch! Music Festival, it’s a sign of extreme popularity when an artist makes the crowd bleed into the vacancy of an empty stage. With Lana Del Ray still finishing and Cashmere Cat just starting when James Blake took the Bigfoot Stage at 10 p.m., there was moshing room only. Glowsticks dominated the crowd for as far as the eye could see, making it impossible to do anything but get caught in the smooth lyrics and sensational production of the 26-year-old London native.

Not like he needed much help anyway. Right from the top, it was obvious Blake had a dedicated following in the audience, leading with “CMYK” and turning that song into an extended, emotional “I Never Learned to Share”. There’s not a whole lot of showmanship in a James Blake show, as the man is content to sit with his keyboard and record loops that he then sings over, creating a layered effect. It’s like what Jimmy Fallon does with that iPad app, except not terrible.

Covering Feist’s “Limit to Your Love” was next, followed by the hit “Overgrown”, the titular song from Blake’s 2013 album. Alternating between slow, beautiful melodies and songs with thumping bass lines and ridiculously poignant lights was Blake’s specialty, as he didn’t speak to the crowd much, offering a “How’s it going?” here and a “This is amazing” there.

The crowd got into “Life Round Here” and Blake followed that favourite with a slow crescendo that built into “Voyeur”. He then took the mic for a very brief “Thank you. Got a couple left.” Everyone in attendance was hoping that he wasn’t being technically correct and that more than two songs were still on their way.

Blake, however, would tell no lie, starting a slow clap build up to his biggest hit, “Retrograde”. As soon as the crowd heard the familiar hums that start that tune, hoots and hollers dominated the air. Those fantastically cold lyrics about being on your own resonated with a captivated crowd, and the blisteringly blue lights that accompanied Blake’s voice were stunning.

Before he’d finish with a modified, chorus-heavy version of “Wilhelm’s Scream”, Blake had a couple more words. “I’d like to thank you for coming in such strong numbers, as far as I can see. This really is a proper festival.”