I absolutely hate to be cliché in any way but it goes without saying that aboynamedblu could likely sing anything, a restaurant menu or google maps directions and it would sound bloody fantastic, moving and deeply engaging. Of course, it is best to hear him wax poetic on his own songs but just saying.
The offering today, "Bending", the second single off his latest EP with the curious title "404 USER NOT FOUND" lulls you into his sonic gaze. "Tackling themes of addiction and escapism" it has a 90's post rock feel, drenched in a kind of The Bends tones although it may feel less obtuse and maybe more youthful in spirit. The opening sound of "Bending" does (if you squint) bring to mind "Fake Plastic Trees". The funny thing is, Radiohead is the kind of band that I hate others to cover although Phoebe Bridgers has done an amazing job in the past. Come to think of it, aboynamedblu has the mesmerizing sad gravitas to make Radiohead songs his own if he wanted to (or has) but no one else please, just he and Phoebe. If we could just limit those iconic songs to these two it would make me infinitely happy.
Rumor has it that aboynamedblu hails from Cape Town, South Africa but these days hangs in London. I spent considerable time on You Tube delving into his live performances (with his collaborators) and they are quietly stunning.
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM- PRESS NOTES:
https://www.instagram.com/aboynamedbluu/
https://open.spotify.com/track/09kyo9MzRpPEsoBpZBO1q0
https://music.apple.com/us/album/above-your-head/1610529643?i=1610529647
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYG57nd6Qe7o-qrxsnH6oKQ
There once was aboynamedblu.
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We get by with a little help from our friends
aboynamedblu, London, Cape Town, indie rock, alt rock, folk indie, avant pop, post rock, ballads, "Bending", new album, "404 USER NOT FOUND",
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