More on: Bloc Party

Label: Wichita
Release Date: 12/11/07
Rating:

If there is one thing Bloc Party could be said to have in abundance it is ambition - dynamic and large, packed with an overkill of hooks and energy, executed with crisp style and confidence. However, they were only as good as a clean, pop guitar-rock band could be. There was little new or overly exciting to find there despite the consistent quality of musicianship.

So with their new single, 'Flux', it is no surprise that there are tight guitars, tighter rhythms and the soaring shouts of lead singer Kele Okereke. What does come as a shock, though, is the sheer density of electronic manipulation smeared over every possible sound. Producer Jacknife Lee has his hands dipped deep into 'Flux', plummeting the bass and scattering the beat, shoving Okereke's voice around and teleporting the guitar to a ghostly image. There is even a house break-down halfway through the song.

The change to the electronic is hopefully a progression that will make more sense in the context of an album. On its own, 'Flux' sounds overdeveloped, like a U2 ballad that's been given some testicles. This will please many but it comes too close to having so much craft put into it that it kills the humanity it originated in. Regardless, Bloc Party still have energy, are still tight as a sphincter, and still create colours with their music - their forthcoming album should be anticipated.

Daniel Good

Bloc Party Official Site
Bloc Party Myspace