Review of Bloc Party: Intimacy
The Latest Album from Bloc Party
The third album release from Bloc Party, Intimacy, has the same basic punk rock flavour as the previous albums, but this time with a larger dose of electronica. It is a bold step for Bloc Party, and has taken them onto a new level music wise, with more experimentation resulting in music that stands out above the rest.
Ares
Opening with synth whirls and ahhhs, this track hints at the electronic nature of the album. A slightly distorted riff hammers into play, which is then caught up by a devastating beat. Vocals slam from left to right, mixed into the hard, jagged insanity of the guitars.
As this starts making sense, heavenly vocals and quiet synths massage the listeners bleeding ears. Not for long though, the dangerously serrated riff pounds the speakers once again to end one hell of an opening song.
Mercury
Another rough, dirty riff and synth trumpet blasts complement the lyrics being spat with anger for Mercury. In essence, a very simple tune, made effective with jarring stabs of brass and buzzing bass.
Halo
More Bloc Party’s style, but nonetheless fantastic. Fast guitar riffs and slick drumming pull the comparatively gentle lyrics together to create a quick paced, energy driven tune.
Biko
Looped guitars twinkle softly and warbling synths wash along quietly. Desperate vocals whisper a sad, regretful poem, deep bass stabs and intermittent 80’s electronic beats ease their way into the mix. Muffled organs complete the mix. It should create chaos, instead, beauty.
Trojan Horse
More solid, fast paced beats and angry vocals seamlessly charge through Trojan Horse, with a wandering bass line and off-beat guitar chords rounding it off.
Signs
Xylophonic noises charm the listener into a nursery rhyme melody whilst warped synth forms the subtly dark atmosphere that underlies the song. Tender vocals and pulsating strings gather together the mix of instruments for a completely relaxing experience.
One Month Off
Another beat at double quick time opens the song, teasing snippets of jagged guitar riffs building the sinister mood that accompanies it. Bouncing lyrics and unnerving electronic noises give this tune a completely unique feel.
Zephyrus
Using backing vocals to create the melody, and electronic drums clattering unevenly, Zephyrus envelopes the listener in an uneasy ambience, exaggerated further by curiously gothic vocal harmonies. This is a song that sends shivers down spines.
Talons
Catchy riffs and original drumming push Talons off to a good start. This all drops for the vocals, leaving xylophones and muted guitar plucking, ready to jump back into guitar riffs for the chorus.
Better Than Heaven
Threatening bass and murky guitars pull off yet another creepy mood, vocals dripping with reverb adding to the overall feel of the song.
Ion Square
A surprisingly welcome happiness greets the listener by means of light, yet quick, piano and a soft beat. Off-beat synth warms the atmosphere further, romantic lyrics and soothing vocals completing the feel.
Letter To My Son
Skipping guitars enveloped in rippling waves of synth, backed by quick drums and harmonic vocals form a dreamscape of rolling sounds and twinkling chimes for another Summer tune.
Your Visits Are Getting Shorter
Quick electronic beats and 80’s synths with a hint of London garage formulate into a mix of styles unusual to Bloc Party, but works well. The quick pace and skipping-record vocals leaves the listener more than happy with their purchase.
An eclectic mix of rhythms and melodies, Intimacy can easily be too much for a mainstream music listener, but a Bloc Party fan or someone with the patience to appreciate this album will be justly rewarded by doing so.
Bloc Party: Intimacy
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