Length: 39:33
Synopsis: Underwhelming dance rock record after a 6-year hiatus
Recommendation rating: 3/5
What I like about it: the band has a new drummer and she’s fantastic, Sex Magik is a decent track
What I don’t like about it: Kele’s more grating habits are in overdrive, everything feels disjointed and doesn’t come together into memorable songs
Review:
Having had a crush on Kele Okereke half my life, I’m more excited for a new Bloc Party record than most but it really doesn’t live up to any of my hopes. The dance elements have been toned down and the amplifier’s gain setting turned up to 11. Kele alternates between channelling Morrissey’s crooning and The Hold Steady’s tuneless yelping over guitar noise. It’s not an appealing combo and mostly makes me want to listen to their first two albums again.
Content notes (may contain spoilers):