Review Summary: Better songs than on 'Four' but not quite yet the finished article for Okereke and the boys, as there is nothing extraordinary to see here
The opening track 'Ratchet' is a radio friendly start to the EP with clear hip hop influences as Kele Okereke raps throughout the song. With its electro groove and funk it is unlike anything Bloc Party have ever done before through their songs, and features frenzied riffing by guitarist Russell Lissack as well as bouncing bass from Gordon Moakes. The song features slang from Okereke's thick British accent and is on the verge of misogynistic with the lyric 'tell your bitch to get off my ***' which adds to the intensity and aggressiveness of the song.
The next track is a romantic ballad entitled 'Obscene' that uses musical elements such as keyboard motifs and synthesisers. The song is satisfactory although in all honesty the song is instantly forgettable and Okereke's vocals so not convey romantic feelings which makes it hard to take the song seriously while he is pleading for forgiveness from an ex lover.
'French Exit' is another intense track and has is similar to 'Ratchet' in terms of aggression. The song features some good drum work by drummer Matt Tong and is on par with 'Ratchet' on the EP. Another ballad 'Montreal' succeeds in ways 'Obscene' did not. The track which runs for over five minutes and the elegant and pulsing synths are matched with a simple drum work from Tong in harmony with Okereke's emotional vocals.
Nextwave Sessions concludes with the admittedly disappointing 'Children of the Future' , a slow song which is dull and uninspiring. The song features Okereke urges the next generation to learn from their predecessors mistakes but the track does not work out so well as Bloc Party are not renowned for sending serious messages through their music.
Better songs than on 'Four' but not quite yet the finished article for Okereke and the boys, as there is nothing extraordinary to see here
