This is just what I needed - Bloc Party are releasing the followup to the mighty ’Silent Alarm’ of 2005. The new release on Feb 5th is ‘A weekend in the city’ and I managed to get a sneaky few listens this weekend - and truly, this is a monster of an album.

From the opening moments - softly spoken vocals from Kele to the fade out of SRXT with its gentle Xylophone and piano the whole album oozes quality production from Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol) , great lyrics and searing instrumentation. The opener - Song for Clay is reminiscent in places of ‘the Dears’ but even more intense.

This absolutely sets the tone forthe album - Waiting for the 7.18 is a great appraisal of living in London - complete with ‘Lets drive to Brighton on the weekend’ refrain. The Prayer kicks off with some almost tribal sounding drums and a low hummed melody line, before completely flying off the handle with angry sounding keys and guitars and fearsome lyrics:

Tonight make me unstoppable, and I will charm, I will slice, I will dazzle them with my wit
Tonight make me unstoppable, and I will charm, I will slice, I will outshine them all

I love the layers of keyboards in between the guitars - giving this an almost uplifting feel despite the darkness of the lyrics.

Around halfway through is a true moment of glory - an epic tune called Uniform, building slowly with soft guitars, its another one the kicks off with a huge chugging rhythm section and loads of vocal layers building up to maelstrom

I am a martyr, I just need a motive, I am a martyr, I just need a cause
I’m a believer I just need a moment, I’m a believer, I just need a cause

This is my favourite track on the album, dark, angry, brooding but still tight and punchy. Another highlight is ‘Kreuzberg’ - slowly building with light breakdowns which give you a little rest before it all kicks off again.

This album is a superb followup to Silent Alarm, and I know for a fact that this will be appearing on the end of year lists - wonderful, life affirming music.

Technorati Tags: bloc - party - bloc party - jacknife lee - music - indie - 2007
Ear Tags: Kreuzberg by Bloc Party (click for itunes links)