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Hi Sorry State readers! Hope everyone is having a great week. Let’s just jump right in.
So it’s been six years since Bloc Party put out an album, and 17 years since they put out a good one. Understandably, my expectations were pretty low going into this one, but Alpha Games might just be their comeback album. Or at least their most promising effort in a long time.
Their latest release circles back to the fun, guitar-focused, dancey post-punk rock of Silent Alarm, but it’s more experimental with the addition of some darker beats and elements of hip hop. But to be honest, my praise and enthusiasm are almost entirely directed at the first side of the album. Alpha Games is so obviously front-loaded in my opinion that it’s confusing why they would put all their best songs on one side. Never dawning on me until now that my preference isn’t everyone’s preference. Maybe the stark contrast between the two sides was intended to just give us two different flavors. But I just don’t really like the taste of side B. At least I don’t have to get up to flip the album over, which is arguably the only real downside to listening to vinyl.
The opener, “Day Drinker”, instantly captured my attention with its catchy chorus. And Kele Okereke hasn’t lost his touch at all when it comes to his high-energy engaging vocals. And things get even better with the second song, “Traps.” This is the point I was is totally locked in and hopeful. Between Okereke’s flow and the fresh and interesting beats, it’s easily one of the best songs on the album. Sorry, but you can’t not like it. “Rough Justice” is another strong contender for my favorite track. There’s a lot going on in this one as the sound turns a bit darker and more new-wavey, and ends with an unanticipated burst of manic guitar and a drum solo that feels like the encore at a fireworks show. This song just gives the record a lot more edge.
Things were going so well… but the change of pace and general direction of the second side totally lost me. The energy and interest totally dissipates with the song “Of Things Yet to Come.” This song could be on the soundtrack for The Greatest Showman or a high school musical. At times, it sounds like there is an attempt to go in a new wave direction, but things just don’t quite work out. While the song “In Situ” does provide somewhat of a lifeline to an otherwise boring second side, the album doesn’t end nearly as strong as it started. That said, I still think it’s worth it. And hey, if Alpha Games were nothing but fun dancey grooves, it would be Silent Alarm. Regardless, I still think this is the band’s best album in 17 years. So if you liked Silent Alarm but then fell off, it may be time to give Bloc Party another chance.
The standouts for me are Day Drinker, Traps, and Rough Justice. Linked below is “Traps” if you want to give it a listen!
Thanks for reading!
Angela