The Sweetest Honey Hails From Essex

Photo by Piers Greenan

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the listening party for the new Blood Orange album, Essex Honey. This marks Dev Hynes’ first LP of the decade and his sixth under the Blood Orange moniker. In the six years since his last studio album, Angel’s Pulse, Hynes has expanded his sonic discography by scoring films and television, as well as composing orchestral works around the world. Keeping that in mind, I had no idea what to expect from the project before it started, but I can say the finished product is sweeter than honey itself.

Born in Essex, Dev Hynes has rooted Essex Honey in memories of his childhood there. On a recent interview with Climax Books he briefly spoke about using literature and photography to drive the creative process of this album. Since I only listened to the album twice, this won't be an album review. However, I do want to highlight the night and the vibe the album conveys. The listening party was held at The Sugarhill Supper Club in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The venue was the most Blood Orange setting you could ask for. The closest example I can give is the club used in the cover of Cupid Deluxe (2013). It had a late 70s early 80s aesthetic, and the whole place was filled with fog and red lighting. The minute I walked in I knew it would be an amazing experience. The setting was undisputedly immersive.

When I sat down, I found myself sharing a table with three perfect strangers — the only thing we knew we had in common was Dev Hynes. Once we’d gotten acquainted, the album began. We locked in, letting the red, foggy void of the venue transform into an instrument that elevated the music. I remember starring into space as I listened to the drums on the opening track, reflecting on how far I’d truly come since moving from Houston. Back in the H I always dreamed about attending a Blood Orange listening party, so I left no room for distractions. However, every now and then I’d look up from the void of drum and bass and see my fellow table mates jamming as hard as anyone. The album was truly amazing. Dev perfectly captured the essence of present and nostalgia both in instrumentation and theme. There was one song that sounded like an ode to his old moniker Lightspeed Champion. But don’t get it twisted, this is a new and fresh Blood Orange sound.

Since Dev is pulling from childhood and memories of Essex I think it's only natural that he'd gravitate to sounds closer to origin. That said, he would never drop an album that sounds identical to past projects. What's impressive about Essex Honey is how he's able to marry some early influences with a slew of newer ones. While on hiatus, most of his musical output was centered around classical instrumentation. Even on recent projects he’s contributed to — like Lorde’s Virgin (2025) and Turnstile’s Never Enough (2025) — Dev’s instrument of choice has been the cello. Perhaps I'm just looking for it now, but the cello and string instruments are all over this project. While past Blood Orange projects have leaned heavily into jazz and alternative influences, Essex Honey adds a new layer of classical elements that push it over the top. Each of these three genres carries its own raw emotion, and together they blend seamlessly on this project. One minute you might be dancing without a care, the next the music forces you to sit down and reflect on life. In all moods your head is moving to the beat.

Devonte Hynes

It was a privilege attending the early listening party for Essex Honey. A New York dream of mine came true last night — and even better, I met Dev and Ian Isiah. The venue was intimate, the music was alluring, and the company was unforgettable. I literally took photos of my table mates so I wouldn't forget the moment. We even started a groupchat to send music to each other and stay in touch. Some of the most important albums are the ones that form community, the ones that make us reflect on where we were when we heard it. If you love Blood Orange you'll love this album, if you've never heard his music I truly think you'll enjoy Essex Honey. I'm looking forward to its release on August 29th. No doubt I'll be sitting on a boulder in Central Park vibing out for hours. I implore you check out Essex Honey when it releases, it's too sweet to pass up.