Blood Orange – Freetown Sound – Compact Disc, CD, Domino, 2016
Written and produced by Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Freetown Sound is a tour de force, a confluence of Hynes’ past, present, and future that melds his influences with his own established musical voice to create a delightful slice of thought-invoking pop.
Blood Orange is the stage name of British artist Devonté Hynes, known for blending various musical genres, including R&B, jazz, electronic, and indie pop. Hynes began his career in punk rock bands but transitioned into his unique solo project as Blood Orange, where he explores themes of identity, race, and love through a blend of dreamy, synth-heavy sounds and soulful vocals. His music often features smooth grooves, atmospheric instrumentals, and collaborations with artists across genres. Influenced by 80s pop and funk, as well as contemporary hip-hop and alternative R&B, Blood Orange’s work is intimate and socially conscious, with a focus on personal and cultural introspection. Albums like Freetown Sound and Negro Swan highlight his exploration of marginalized identities, making his music a blend of the personal and political wrapped in lush, genre-defying soundscapes.