Video Blue - Night Painting Album Review

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Jim O'Donoghue Martin, also known as Video Blue is originally from Dundalk but has been plying his trade in London for the last few years. Having released his debut album "Love Scenes" back in 2017, Video Blue is now back with his latest album "Night Painting". The album was recorded in various locations across London including Boogaloo Radio, ID Audio, SARM Studios and Jim's bedroom in Hackney.

The album starts with the sublime "What Have You Got". It's more of a spoken word poetic piece delivered over some truly beautiful relaxing beats. Next up is the previously released single "Guts". "Guts" is a dream like sequence if that dream took place in a Marrakech coffee shop. There's a contrast of music in here that is sometimes celebratory and sometimes gloomy which works perfectly.
"On Desire Lines" offers an electronic hip hop beat that permeates your brain and makes you involuntarily nod your head along to the dazzling sounds. "The Sound Of The Snap" is a much more intimate offering from Video Blue. There's a sense of heartache in the lyrics which is nicely juxtaposed with the cheerful beauty of the birds signing at dawn. "Action!" features the vocals of Claire Byrne on what is a faster pace track than most of the album. The duet segments are genuinely heartwarming.
"Moonjetvenus" is four and a half minutes of absolute atmospheric joy. I could listen to this on a loop for hours whilst meditating. Simply incredible. "The Crossing" is stripped back to create another celestial piece of music. "Peninsula" has a more playful dance sound. The most upbeat song on the album which shows the musical range of Video Blue.
The final song on the album is a live version of "Slow News Day" which was recorded at The Social, Little Portland Street in London. It's easy to hear that Jim's vocals command the room with it's strength and confidence.

"Night Painting" is an exquisite album from Video Blue. His range, musical ability and confidence shine through on this record as he is clearly a man who knows what sound he is looking for but also knows exactly how to achieve it. 



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