Oracle Online

The hype surrounding their debut had built steadily as their list of EPs grew longer and the British press piled attention upon them. Now, after a delay from the European release of the full-length Silent Alarm, America finally has the chance to find out what all of the hype is about.

There turns out to be very little in this debut that can be described as new or revolutionary. Bloc Party’s antics come straight from the post-punk movement of the past, with strong, solid, guitar-driven melodies and catchy and well-layered bass and drum lines. Lead singer Kele Okereke’s voice comes off soft and melodic at times and much more energetic at others, giving the music a sense of urgency that matches its intensity.

While they are not the first band to dive into this sort of post-punk revival, they definitely do a decent job capturing the best the style has to offer. And while Okereke is not the first to deliver politically charged anthems, he’s worth listening to, a voice more honest than preachy. The lyrics are just subtle enough to sound poetic while still packing a message.

He also has the distinct advantage of having a British accent, which never hurts in the music business. But if you don’t care much for his ideas, it is easy to look past them and home in on the music.

The album does a bit of shifting around, with a selection of slower, more melodic songs, a couple of more upbeat pieces, and the predictable bunch that attempt to meld the two extremes.

The record’s most up-tempo offering, and the most radio-friendly track, is the first U.S. single “Banquet.”
The song relies heavily on the quirky sort of guitar riffs that dominate much of today’s indie music. It also presents the best opportunity for the band to break into mainstream American music. Other tracks such as
“Positive Tension” and “Pioneers” do well in highlighting the band’s strengths, showcasing crafty guitar melodies and great blending of the lyrics with the music.

The beats are catchy enough to dance to, though dancing is definitely not required. “This Modern Love” is a lighter, emotional piece that serves as an example of the other side of the band’s sound, diving into well-layered melodies and more personal, rather than political, sentiments.

Overall, Bloc Party has created a solid album and a respectable debut. The fact that little new is done here may mean a short life in the spotlight for the group (should they find their way into it), but if they can put together an album this good, perhaps they are bound to do something more in the future.

There is some talent here, and now we in the U.S. have the chance to hear for ourselves what the British want us to think is the “next big thing” (a slight exaggeration on their part, but not completely wrong).

Expect their exposure to grow as their first video and single makes its way onto college radio and video shows, and the band continues their first U.S. tour with the Kills. If you haven’t heard them yet, there is a good chance you will be experiencing them soon, and then you will be hearing what kids in Britain have been listening to for months.