The first optics of Blood Orange's new project Negro Swan came in the form of a video single a month ago. "Charcoal Baby" set the bar for a measurable return. Dev Hynes' latent approach to songwriting can be defended with different values. The "Charcoal Baby" music video tries to ascribe these cultural values their own passing lane. Chosen families congregate for a ritualistic dinner, as Janet Mock finishes her monologue from a leftover session.
On a musical note, Dev Hynes uses the middle patch of the record to demonstrate his vision of a guitar being played out of tune. As likely as the case may be, Dev Hynes is no way interested in perfecting his technique. His jangling guitar isn't inherently more special than any musician's first purchase at a Brick-and-Mortar shop. The message of inclusivity on Negro Swan is never stronger than when "Charcoal Baby" hits its melodic stride. Without actually saying so deliberately, Dev is inspiring other musicians to take up their own space within the establishment (through his music).
Enjoy.
Quotable Lyrics:
When you wake up
It's not the first thing that you wanna know
Can you still count
All of the reasons that you're not alone?
When you wake up
It's not the first thing that you wanna know
Can you still count
All of the reasons that you're not alone?