James Blake: Trying Times Tour in Manchester

James Blake brings his Trying Times tour to Manchester for an intimate evening of genre-blending electronic soul. The show supports his seventh studio album, a deeply personal record that marks his first independent release after leaving Polydor. Fans can expect a setlist drawing heavily from the new album, which features guest appearances by Dave and Monica Martin and was executively produced by Jameela Jamil.

Blake's live performances are known for their emotional intensity and innovative use of electronics, with his signature falsetto weaving through sparse, atmospheric beats. The Trying Times album has been described as a more concise follow-up to his 2016 work *The Colour in Anything*, incorporating more traditional instrumentation like guitar while retaining his trademark disembodied vocal aesthetic.

This Manchester date is part of the European leg of the tour, which follows a North American run earlier in 2026. With the album receiving generally favorable reviews and charting at number three in the UK, this concert offers a chance to hear Blake's latest material in an intimate setting.