Pitchblack Premiere: James Blake 'Trying Times' listening session in the dark - Tuesday 10 March 7PM @ We The Curious Planetarium, Bristol

Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered

A champion of artistic independence, James Blake is preparing to release his first fully independent album, Trying Times, in 2026. Trying Times is a masterful display of the breadth of his artistry and ability to articulate emotion with endearing transparency. James Blake traces the uneasy space between intimacy and isolation in an age of instability. The record moves along the pressure lines of modern life, where overwhelm becomes both subject and atmosphere. The result is a body of work suspended between hope and dread. It moves through the comfort of loving and being loved while recognising how fragile that safety can feel when global anxieties and private doubts pull in opposing directions. 

Immerse yourself in this stunning new album at our exclusive pre-release listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on We The Curious' powerful Planetarium sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. 

"This sounds great” — Rick Rubin
"A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai
"The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter
"This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live

Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness.

We do not issue tickets; your name will be on the guestlist on the night. Please note that we only offer a 24-hour grace period for ticket refunds.

As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out and BBC 6 Music.

Album duration: 47 minutes

Venue Address: We The Curious Planetarium, 1 Millennium Square, One Millennium Square, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5DB, United Kingdom