Photo by Sid Rainey
Irish singer-songwriter Perry Blake unveils his sensual and sophisticated new album, Death of a Society Girl, under Moochin’ About Records, marking his first release in five years and celebrating over a quarter-century in the music industry.
Blake, hailing from the rugged coast of Sligo, has long been one of music’s hidden gems. Since his 1998 debut, his journey has seen him relocate to France, where he quickly garnered cult status and a fervent following across Europe. His discography boasts a string of critically acclaimed studio albums, a live orchestral recording from Cirque Royal Brussels, and soundtracks for films like ‘Presque Rien’ and ‘Trois Petites Filles.’
Perry Blake’s career is a testament to his mastery of crafting soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. His latest album is a rich tapestry of lost loves and bittersweet memories, showcasing his distinctive emotive voice and evocative songwriting. Each track on ‘Death of a Society Girl’ is a testament to Blake’s enduring artistry and ability to captivate audiences even after decades.
The album weaves a spellbinding blend of baroque pop, neo-folk, and trip-hop, evoking the sophistication of Divine Comedy, the eclectic style of Beck’s later works, and the brooding allure of Portishead. The opening track, Requiem, sets the tone with its R&B undertones and compelling hook. One Of These Days transitions from a mournful piano solo to a lush string arrangement, while Nobody’s Child evokes the feel of a lost Beatles track with its gentle croon and hypnotic strings.
Tracks like Song of the Wind and Let’s Fall In Love further showcase Blake’s versatility. The former rides a trap beat, firmly placing it in the realm of Divine Comedy, while the latter is accompanied by a stunning animated video by Sid Rainey, transporting viewers to an underwater world of fish and dolphins.
Concertina and Rules of Love continue the album’s exploration of poignant themes and exquisite musicality. ‘Concertina’ is a delicate lullaby that evolves into a poetic meditation, while ‘Rules of Love’ infuses a touch of Eastern European folk, enhancing the emotional depth of the lyrics.
The album’s title track features British actor Paul McGann, known for his roles in Doctor Who, Withnail & I, and Queen of the Damned, adding another layer of intrigue to Blake’s musical narrative. The album concludes with ‘Hummingbirds,’ a gentle zephyr of a song with beautiful string arrangements, bringing a reflective close to this captivating journey.
Known for his delicate, downtempo, and beautifully melancholic music, Perry Blake has also collaborated with the late Françoise Hardy, contributing lyrics and producing tracks for her album ‘Tant de belles choses.’ His own rendition of the title track further showcases his deep emotional resonance.
Co-written and co-produced with long-term collaborator Graham Murphy, Death of a Society Girl features surrealist lyrics and original artwork by Syrian-born artist Helen Abbas. This edition includes three bonus remixes by UK electronic artists KosmetiQ and Inertia.
Listen to Death of a Society Girl below or order your copy here.
Perry Blake’s extensive career has seen him collaborate with luminaries such as Steve Jansen of Japan, Glenn Garrett of Dead Can Dance, Neil Conti from David Bowie’s band, Rik Carter of The Mission, and French electronic artist Émilie Simon. His melancholic, melodic creations have graced numerous European TV series and films, cementing his place as a familiar face on French television. He has also toured Europe with Carla Bruni and the French National Jazz Orchestra.
Beyond music, Blake has authored the children’s book ‘Gatos em Lissadell’ as part of a collection by twelve authors, including Jimmy Carter, Will Smith, and Julie Andrews. He also collaborates with Glenn Garrett and Graham Murphy in the project Electro Sensitive Behaviour.
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