Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City
By
23 February, 2007 08:00
This article has been read 5716 times.
Font size:
A follow-up to their breakthrough debut Silent Alarm, AWITC has been very much anticipated, and contrary to what the majority of fans are thinking now, I believe this to be a fantastic album. Although Silent Alarm forms part of my most praised collection, it consists of many great single hits.
This latest album works more effectively as a whole, where the song titles themselves form part of the pieces of the London jig-saw puzzle. This is exactly what the album’s lyrics are about, present day London life, current affairs and how this is affecting our generation. Vocalist Kele Okereke is expressing himself, very clearly and very logically. Whether this album will generate the same cash flow as their debut, doesn’t seem to worry them.
Their main concern is to express themselves via good music, and this has probably been made possible by working with renowned producer Jacknife Lee, also known for his work with U2, Snow Patrol, Editors and Kasabian.
The Bloc Party signature sound is present in every track, not necessarily as explosive as it is in Silent Alarm, particularly with Banquet and Helicopter but just as distinct. There is an element of Joy Division in there somewhere. A slightly more toned down sound overall, but no less appreciated. It is not often you get to hear drumwork this good, and this is the thing with Bloc Party, they come from a generation of bad music, (yes really), and too many genres to keep track of, so they do stand out.
Many fans complain of their simple lyrics, but I don't think BP intend to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Bob Dylan or Neil Young. Simple lyrics means simple understanding, and the quality is what matters. "East London is a vampire, it sucks the joy right out of me" simple but meaningful. Here's another one - " The TV taught me how to sulk and love nothing". And this one is probably aimed at Bush - "The newscaster says the enemy is among us, as bombs explode on the 30 bus. Kill your middle class indecision, now is not the time for liberal thought."
I really can't understand why critics are tearing this album apart. But then again, these usually end up being the most memorable and classic ones. Go get it !
RRRR
This latest album works more effectively as a whole, where the song titles themselves form part of the pieces of the London jig-saw puzzle. This is exactly what the album’s lyrics are about, present day London life, current affairs and how this is affecting our generation. Vocalist Kele Okereke is expressing himself, very clearly and very logically. Whether this album will generate the same cash flow as their debut, doesn’t seem to worry them.
Their main concern is to express themselves via good music, and this has probably been made possible by working with renowned producer Jacknife Lee, also known for his work with U2, Snow Patrol, Editors and Kasabian.
The Bloc Party signature sound is present in every track, not necessarily as explosive as it is in Silent Alarm, particularly with Banquet and Helicopter but just as distinct. There is an element of Joy Division in there somewhere. A slightly more toned down sound overall, but no less appreciated. It is not often you get to hear drumwork this good, and this is the thing with Bloc Party, they come from a generation of bad music, (yes really), and too many genres to keep track of, so they do stand out.
Many fans complain of their simple lyrics, but I don't think BP intend to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Bob Dylan or Neil Young. Simple lyrics means simple understanding, and the quality is what matters. "East London is a vampire, it sucks the joy right out of me" simple but meaningful. Here's another one - " The TV taught me how to sulk and love nothing". And this one is probably aimed at Bush - "The newscaster says the enemy is among us, as bombs explode on the 30 bus. Kill your middle class indecision, now is not the time for liberal thought."
I really can't understand why critics are tearing this album apart. But then again, these usually end up being the most memorable and classic ones. Go get it !
RRRR
Email to a friend
Print version
Plain text