When we talk about artists who prefer to put the focus on the music, it would be hard to find a more fitting act than the anonymous duo Blue Work. A duo based in London and Paris, the artists chose not to disclose much about their personalities or identities, instead opting to focus on the music and more music. On their latest single, ‘Hard Work’, we get a delicious taste of what they are all about.
All consumed by a Do-it-yourself work ethic, the duo takes the grunt of everything on their shoulders, starting with the music, passing through the production and artwork, and finishing by publication, Blue Work does it all in-house. The outfit’s latest release, a cut of electronica, interspersed by hints of jazz and world music, the piece is unquestionably rich in its dense instrumental palette and tasteful harmonic and melodic layout that calls to mind acts such as the infinitely entertaining Morcheeba, or the British underground phenomenon Massive Attack.
From the congas to the lush pads, and the twisting bass, ‘Hard Work’ is a well-thought-out cut that proved to be mature and endlessly compelling, as well as a fantastic listen that’s just so easy to fall for. Simplistic, while full of nuance, Blue Work’s ‘Hard Word’ is detailed in all the best ways. Not for a moment sounding too dense or difficult to follow, nor for a moment showing the slightest hint of laziness. There’s truly nothing to fault with ‘Hard Work’. I loved it and will have the easiest time recommending it or even blasting it on car rides with friends.