Dave redefines mastery with ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’

Dave has returned with 'The Boy Who Played The Harp' - a project as poetic and profound as its title suggests. The name alone carries biblical weight:

“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” 

Before even pressing play, you can tell this is a body of work meticulously crafted - every detail and intricacy serving as a divine follow-up to 'We’re All Alone In This Together'.

The lineup alone signals the album’s cultural magnitude. With features from James Blake, Jim Legacy, Kano, Tems, and Nicole Blakk - each an artist rooted in emotional depth and authenticity - 'Rhe Boy Who Played The Harp' promises to be one of the most moving and musically expansive projects of Dave’s career.

As with each era, Dave continues to evolve sonically. This album feels like a spiritual progression - building on 'WAAITT' the way 'WAAITT' built on 'Psychodrama' - familiar in tone, yet elevated in execution.

‘History’ opens the album beautifully, evoking the same introspective magic that first drew fans in. James Blake’s ethereal presence adds texture and soul, expanding on the chemistry the duo displayed on 'Both Sides of a Smile'. On ‘175 Months’, Dave channels the energy of his formative EPs 'Six Paths' and 'Game Over' - a lyrical masterclass laced with his signature sharpness and clarity. Then comes ‘No Weapons’, a feel-good anthem infused with mellow Grime energy. Reuniting with Jim Legacy after their work on 'black British music', the two craft a track steeped in faith, hope and conviction - turning biblical references into sonic power.

‘Chapter 16’ is a standout moment. Produced by Dave and James Blake, the 6-minute journey sees Kano join forces with Dave in a display of lyrical brilliance. Their bar-for-bar exchange and narrative precision make it one of the finest collaborations in UK rap - spiritual, cinematic, and technically flawless.

The album’s middle stretch delivers an impeccable feature run. ‘Raindance’ with Tems captures her warm, soulful essence perfectly, while ‘Selfish’, another James Blake collaboration, finds Dave at his most vulnerable, painting raw emotions through restrained, elegant storytelling.

As tradition dictates, Dave uses this album to mark his 27th birthday through self-reflection with his traxk 'My 27th Birthday, while ‘Marvellous’, produced by Jo Caleb and Kyle Evans, delivers a bass-heavy punch, blending melodic introspection with moments of grit and intensity.

Meanwhile, Fairchild and the closing title track serve as the perfect conclusion to this monumental ten-track journey. With 'The Boy Who Played The Harp', Dave once again reaffirms why he stands in a league of his own - a storyteller and visionary who continues to elevate UK rap to new heights.