Some songs draw you in through their melodies, while others make you curious about the story unfolding behind the music. Excelsior Black achieves both on “Pannenhuis,” his second single, released October 30, 2026. The musical alter ego of British writer and poet Kieron Blake, Excelsior Black takes listeners on a personal journey through North West London and North West Brussels, exploring the connections between two places that shaped his experiences.
The production immediately establishes an atmospheric setting, blending alternative R&B, neo-soul and spoken-word elements into something wonderfully immersive. I particularly like how the vocal layers sit within the arrangement, giving the track an almost dreamlike quality without taking attention away from the storytelling. The instrumentation gradually opens up, allowing each musical layer to find its place rather than rushing towards a big moment. That patience works beautifully here.
The lyrics bring a strong sense of place to the experience. From unfamiliar streets and unusual housemates to encounters with the police, late-night conversations and the familiar presence of the metro station, Blake turns everyday experiences into vivid musical snapshots. His line, “Between two North Wests, I was finding my way,” captures the central idea particularly well. Beneath the geographical comparisons is a deeper reflection on identity, adjustment and finding belonging in unfamiliar surroundings.
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“Pannenhuis” is an intimate, thoughtfully arranged release that rewards attentive listening. Its gradual progression and subtle storytelling make it easy to get lost in. Excelsior Black gives personal memories room to breathe, and that makes this release worth discovering.
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