It would probably be a fair comment to say that this album has been the most anticipated album in Britain for the last 6 months. Since the summer of 2004, Bloc Party have been fast growing reputation as the next best thing and, like Biffy Clyro, they did it through their music. Yes, okay, MTV2 have been giving them extremely generous amounts of air time, and yes, you can then queue the argument that 'How come they get so much attention when more deserving bands don't?' but, the thing is, the hype machine wouldn't have gone into overdrive without reason. This band may well be labelled into the 'NME bands' file instantly, but many people are taking notice, that this band is the choice of those that love music, and not some two-bit journalist". And after several excellent single releases making people take notice, like the brilliant 'Little Thoughts' which is beyond me how it wasn't put on the album, does 'Silent Alarm' really do justice of the hype Bloc Party has been given? Well, yes and no.
The simple fact is this is probably the worst kept secret of a once small-time band. The album has already been leaked on several file sharing and P2P programs so plenty have already heard this album. And for such a band to suddenly plummet into the deep end of mainstream indie-rock, it should seem a bit daunting. But remember the 'real music fan' comment? They have made such an impression that it seems like they've been in the mainstream's eye for years.
It all begins with 'Like Eating Glass' a fast paced shout along, a quaint song which, if you've heard the singles, is pretty much what you would expect from the band now. It's a nice enough intro, but nothing special. It's not until recent single 'Helicopter' kicks in is where we're talking. 'Like Eating Glass' almost ends up being a four and a half minute intro for 'Helicopter', because when the tracks change from one to the other, then you're dancing. 'Helicopter' is a fantastically textured and frantic song; it almost feels like one of those 'metal songs without playing metal music'. The chugging guitars kick in, and soon a frenzy drum beat, it's only the bass keeping this mess together, and it works.
You quickly learn when you listen to this album is that, there is a general formula going into virtually every song, played in many different ways, but it just keeps it interesting. There are moments where you think, "Okay, get on with it" or, "So what?! but sooner or later you find a fast paced punk-pop riff just round the corner and so it makes you listen to the point where you are about to get bored, but then suddenly thrashes out something completely different. This feels a little too close to the wire after too many songs having this (particularly in the middle of the album).
In fact, there are only a couple songs that sound significantly different. One of these is recent top 5 success 'So Here We Are'. And in fact the reason its different is because it does keep its sound generally the same, which works for a soft ballad like this. But that doesn't necessarily make it a great track. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a very nice track, and it's a good change of pace to the album, if a little late, but as an individual track that doesn't make it all that good. The other song to really have a change of pace is final song 'Compliments' which offers a slow drum machine as it's rhythm, and is a totally stripped song. But the fact that it's kept right to end is annoying when you've had about 8 or 9
very similar tracks, and to be honest, when you make it this far you wish for more of a climax at the end, considering the rest of the tracks on the album, it would be the ideal thing to hear at the end. And so once you've heard it all, you are aware that actually, the album doesn't flow that well at all. Sure, it's alright from track-to-track, but it doesn't really go anywhere, unless it is an extreme change, which the two previously mentioned songs provide.
But, perhaps I am being a tad too harsh here. After all, despite the blatant similarities, there really isn't a flawed song, because, as part of the formula, every song gets saved from being tedious. And you can really see the soul of it all, the music being banged out, the writing, the production, it all fit's very well. And Kele's vocal work is simply phenomenal. Not one flawed note, and his voice is both perfect, and refreshing for the music being played which so many bands have faltered at. You only have to listen to the remarkable 'Banquet' and you can easily see just how important this band is going to be. Offering almost tribal drums, syncopated guitar playing between the two guitars, fantastic vocals, and enough atmosphere to fill a premiership football match, this is the bands point where there are literally screaming why they are so hyped about.
And so at the end, despite the slight flaws that prevent it from being a classic, you do come back to the thoughts you had before you listened to this album. This is the bands debut album, and this is a band that have just been dropped into high expectations at an alarming rate, and in the end, this record leaves you charmed, and anxious to see what they will have in store for us next.
Adam Turner-Heffer.
