Blake was a math-rock/post-hardcore band from Toronto, Ontario. In their active period Blake released one ST 7”, a split 7” with Australian band Spirit and a ST LP. Blake’s sound is explosive, driven and chaotic; comparable to hardcore bands like The Nation Of Ulysses and Rye Coalition. Even with this incredible energy Blake manages to stay calculating, precise and locked into their grooves, akin to math-rock bands like Slint. You could also compare them to contemporaries Okara and also bands like Akarso, Faraquet and The Exploder.
Blake managed to stand out from the rest of the math-rock scene at the time thanks to the frantic, manic and urgent nature of their songs. The band creates an impressive and layered sound for a three piece, every member manages to stand out while still being completely in sync with the rest of the band. They took a little while to grow on me for whatever reason but I really enjoy them now; a particular favourite is the track “No Vote”, I love the anxious high pitched guitars and frantic drums that kick off the song.
The 1999 LP is a bit of a weird mix of things, side A is a 1996 session while side B is a 1999 session. The 1999 session is much slower in pace a reflects a different sound and stage of the band. This material reminds me a lot of Sleepytime Trio and it foreshadows the gradual progression from Blake to the excellent Rockets Red Glare. Rockets Red Glare shared members with Blake and played more toned down and atmospheric math-rock.
Blake 7" 1997 (Spectra Sonic Sound)
Spirit Split 7" 1998 (Organic)
Blake LP 1999 (Blue Skies Turn Black)
Collected Works CD 2005 (Spectra Sonic Sound)
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