The English folk belief that “third time is a charm” an origination from 19th century law might just apply to this English band. That saying might just apply to the band Bloc Party. Bloc Party put forth one loud announcement and little promotion to push their third record, which might just be the lucky one they have been praying for. On August 18, 2008 they began pre-orders for the new record entitled Intimacy, with the first single “Mercury” already playing in the United Kingdom. The record’s release was not anticipated to occur until 2009. They unexpectedly rushed the release, and it just might be the victory that Vice Records needed to maintain Bloc Party’s status. Intimacy is a clever mix of sound modification and guitar with simple drum parts that bring them back to the praise of their first record, Silent Alarm. The single, “Mercury,” is a repetitive number that starts out with voice manipulation and moves into instrumentation with clever lyrics-a single that is definitely worthy of radio play. The record maintains its energy through “Trojan Horse,” which is bound to be a single. They also released the song “Talons,” which is not on the digital release but will be on the physical one in October. One song that sends the energy in a separate direction is “Signs,” which reminds some Bloc Party fans of their sophomore effort, A Weekend in the City. City didn’t receive the kind of feedback needed for a follow up to a great debut in Silent Alarm. Although Bloc Party took a fall with A Weekend in the City, the band has gotten right back up with Intimacy, and have transformed the sound they wanted in the last record with the instrumentation they had in Silent Alarm. Intimacy is a great successor to A Weekend in the City, and has the potential to be among the best records of this year. Although Bloc Party has some compensating to do from the grease fire that was their previous album, they seem to have extinguished any doubts nicely with Intimacy. Fans of Les Savy Fav and The Flaming Lips should check out Intimacy.
A few weeks ago, Bloc Party played their first live college show in America. They headlined Syracuse University’s “Juice Jam,” an outdoor festival that emulated Lollapalooza on a smaller scale, with explosively energetic opener Talib Kweli. Although I had seen Bloc Party once before, Talib Kweli’s performance raised the bar for the band. Their opening was welcoming and they made their way through some classics from Silent Alarm, while promoting the new record with great enthusiasm and neglecting their failed second album. The band had everyone dancing even in the rain. They generously returned for a four-song encore wearing improvised togas and chanting “Toga! Toga! Toga!” and initiated conversations with the crowd during which they asked for not only a place to stay, but also a place to party. There is no doubt that those newly exposed to Bloc Party’s sound immediately fell for their high energy show and spread the word to their friends.
Bloc Party’s third album, Intimacy, was released digitally on August 21, 2008. The physical CD release is scheduled for October 28, 2008
The English folk belief that “third time is a charm” an origination from 19th century law might just apply to this English band. That saying might just apply to the band Bloc Party. Bloc Party put forth one loud announcement and little promotion to push their third record, which might just be the lucky one they have been praying for. On August 18, 2008 they began pre-orders for the new record entitled Intimacy, with the first single “Mercury” already playing in the United Kingdom. The record’s release was not anticipated to occur until 2009. They unexpectedly rushed the release, and it just might be the victory that Vice Records needed to maintain Bloc Party’s status. Intimacy is a clever mix of sound modification and guitar with simple drum parts that bring them back to the praise of their first record, Silent Alarm. The single, “Mercury,” is a repetitive number that starts out with voice manipulation and moves into instrumentation with clever lyrics-a single that is definitely worthy of radio play. The record maintains its energy through “Trojan Horse,” which is bound to be a single. They also released the song “Talons,” which is not on the digital release but will be on the physical one in October. One song that sends the energy in a separate direction is “Signs,” which reminds some Bloc Party fans of their sophomore effort, A Weekend in the City. City didn’t receive the kind of feedback needed for a follow up to a great debut in Silent Alarm. Although Bloc Party took a fall with A Weekend in the City, the band has gotten right back up with Intimacy, and have transformed the sound they wanted in the last record with the instrumentation they had in Silent Alarm. Intimacy is a great successor to A Weekend in the City, and has the potential to be among the best records of this year. Although Bloc Party has some compensating to do from the grease fire that was their previous album, they seem to have extinguished any doubts nicely with Intimacy. Fans of Les Savy Fav and The Flaming Lips should check out Intimacy.
A few weeks ago, Bloc Party played their first live college show in America. They headlined Syracuse University’s “Juice Jam,” an outdoor festival that emulated Lollapalooza on a smaller scale, with explosively energetic opener Talib Kweli. Although I had seen Bloc Party once before, Talib Kweli’s performance raised the bar for the band. Their opening was welcoming and they made their way through some classics from Silent Alarm, while promoting the new record with great enthusiasm and neglecting their failed second album. The band had everyone dancing even in the rain. They generously returned for a four-song encore wearing improvised togas and chanting “Toga! Toga! Toga!” and initiated conversations with the crowd during which they asked for not only a place to stay, but also a place to party. There is no doubt that those newly exposed to Bloc Party’s sound immediately fell for their high energy show and spread the word to their friends.
Bloc Party’s third album, Intimacy, was released digitally on August 21, 2008. The physical CD release is scheduled for October 28, 2008Posted 3 years ago
