SINGLE REVIEW: Blake Cateris - Concentrate

I make no secret of the fact I adore Blake Cateris. His music is infectious and catchy while also real and relevant. Previous single 'Days, Weeks, Months, Years' has been a staple on my heavy rotation ever since its release. Blake channels all my bewilderment at the world and the uncertainty of growing up, growing older neatly wrapping it in an addictive, sing-along sound.

New single 'Concentrate' offers a more up-tempo, jangle fest than its predecessor but still retains the hard hitting lyrical themes of despondency and angst at the way life changes as the years roll on.

Blake's blend of punk-ish folk on 'Concentrate' is fun, likeable and endearing. Having chatted to Blake I know he's a warm, friendly soul who couldn't be more passionate about what he's doing and his own personality shines through in his music. The track boasts catchy hooks, compelling energy and an acapella moment that changes the tone entirely before building back up into a burst of vibrancy and toe tapping danceability. Blake's vocals are stunning, gritty, raw, impassioned with a beautiful, melodic tone.

The lyrics are where Blake truly shines; his songwriting is exceptional. 'Concentrate' delivers themes of feeling lost in life. Having an endless list of adult tasks to do “a million tabs open in Safari” reflecting a busy mind flicking between task after task, making plans but losing sight of them within no time. The depleting interest in doing anything when you have so much to do that you just feel overwhelmed. It details the constant chase for money and the desire to go back to when life was fun and carefree. There's the idea of as you grow older and experience people's deceit one too many times your mind becomes cautious of everyone "can't tell if you're fucking with me or if you're actually on my side". As with its predecessor it's an incredible lyric from a phenomenal songwriter.

I had high hopes for 'Concentrate' and Blake hasn't let me down. He's delivered an explosion of charming energy while giving me the meaningful lyrics I crave. Of course this is my single of the week….probably my single of the year so far. If you don't know who Blake Cateris is you're missing out!