Bloc
4.5 stars
Written 02/08/07
With A Weekend in the City, Bloc Party proves their debut gem, Silent Alarm, was no fluke. Weekend brilliantly weaves tales of disconnect, discouragement, boredom, drug use, frustrations in love, racism, and being sentimental between loops of great post-punk melodies. A more mature Bloc Party has emerged with more musical depth and much more lyrical depth.
Though you may have to read many of the lyrics to understand what singer Kele Okereke is saying under his heavy British accent, you won’t be disappointed. Inspired by the plight of his 20-something friends who aren’t rock stars and the deteriorating state of London, Okereke wrote great lyrics. “Hunting for Witches†was motivated by the terrorist attacks in London on July 7, 2005. It opens musically with a feeling of disconnect, and the lyrics follow: “All reasonable thought is being drowned out by the non-stop baying for blood.â€
The song with perhaps the biggest chance of becoming a smash hit, “I Still Remember,†curiously is buried in the album at track nine. It’s brilliant, though, because that’s where it fits musically and lyrically. Bloc Party made an album here; they did not make a series of songs. Of course, “I Still Remember†won’t be a hit in this country, except with alternative music fans. But in an age where Nickelback is getting awards for their work in the field of rock music, it’s a crime Bloc Party isn’t on the radar.
Another interesting note about the record is the apparent homosexual content in the lyrics. “I Still Remember†includes the lyrics “we left our trousers by the canal and our fingers they almost touched. You should have asked me for it. How could I say no? … I kept your tie.†Regardless of your sexual preference, however, you’ll enjoy the song.
A Weekend in the City has solidified Bloc Party as one of the best indie bands out there. Luckily there’s no sign of them slowing down. We should hear a lot more of these guys.
Scale:
0. Shoot yourself
1. Poor
2. So-So
3. Good
4. Excellent
5. Instant classic