music

The Hastings-based James Blackshaw is just back from a nearly decade-long hiatus from music, which he announced in 2016, citing the "stressful and problematic" experience of trying to make ends meet with his art. His beautiful 12-string acoustic guitar music has been missed, but thankfully he left a good deal of it to listen to while he was away, starting with his gorgeous debut album from way back in 2003. His return to the fold, January's Unraveling in Your Hands, was greeted with critical adulation, with Pitchfork hailing "a moving, virtuosic album that communicates a rare sense of purpose" in their glowing review.

Inspired by the 1960s American Primitive style, minimalist composers, and European classical music, Blackshaw uses fingerpicking techniques to create hypnotic and emotional melodies and drones that make for a beautiful and therapeutic experience on record or live. We hope this is a permanent return to music for an artist who deserves the support of everyone who appreciates his delightful work.