Blue Flowers · February 5, 2021
Jacob Allen, better known by his stage name Puma Blue, shows great artistic promise on his newest album
In Praise Of Shadows. Having previously released a handful of EPs and singles throughout the years that have gradually gained popularity, Puma Blue’s sound seems to have evolved on his latest record. Compared to his prior work,
In Praise Of Shadows has much cleaner guitar tones, much less reverb and effect-heavy production, and a clearer sound in general. It seems as though his sound has matured over time. “Velvet Leaves” is a prime example of this, creating a lush and comforting soundscape through the use of gentle hums and simple yet effective guitar and bass lines. Puma Blue delivers one of his most endearing vocal performances on this track as well, and the entire song builds up over the length of the track to a euphoric crescendo in the last minute or so. Contrast this to one of his most streamed singles, “Moon Undah Water,” a t
âI must be losing my mind,âJacob Allenâs better-known alias of
Puma Blue will assure you on his debut album, âIn Praise Of Shadowsâ. The 14-track record traverses a winding road of insomnia, wandering dreams, sombre days and lustful nights.
Previously released tracks âVelvet Leavesâ, âOpiateâ and âSnowflowerâ all fall seamlessly into a cohesive piece of work which boasts Allenâs recognisable crooning while catering to his soft blues- centric strings. âAlready Fallingâ caresses the archetypal Puma Blue style: muted jazz and honey soaked words â quickly shifting to his more reckless âOil Slickâ, a much faster and unrecognisable track from the artist, still fitting so aptly amidst the intensely intimate record.