Just another laid back student spending too much time on the Internet!!
Just another laid back student spending too much time on the Internet!!
Member since:01.04.2005
Reviews:29
Members who trust:12
Bloc Party's debut album, 'Silent Alarm' arrived in mid Feb 2005 to critical acclaim as the possible answer for the next Joy Division, and it's clear to see why.
The first thing you can note is the 'indie' feel, and the drum beats that are reminiscent of Joy Division at their brief yet best time. The guitars seemed to have picked up their own unique sound as well, and Kele Okereke's vocals are strong, and something Damon Albarn-like about them.
The opening track 'Like Eating Glass' is an excellent starting point, and could quite easily be a single at some point. The musical elements here are an excellent indication of what is to follow throughout the album.
'Helicopter' is one of the albums highlights, and proof of some of the catchy and exciting guitar riffs on the album. Released as a single, it is certainly a song that will catch anyone's attention and draw them to Bloc
Party if they weren't aware of them.
'Positive Tension' is thought by some as a weaker link of the album, but don't let me lead you into thinking it's bad, as it by no means is, far from it really. The drums here are the prominant feature, and only does the song kick on with about a minute to ago. Perhaps is would have been better to place this song a little further down the track listings?
'Banquet' is my favourite track and was my first taste of the band. The sublime guitar riff to open with is excellent, and possibly the track that could, or perhaps should, define Bloc Party. It's quick beat is toe-tappingly good and the vocals fit beautifully.
'Blue Light' is a very laidback affair, but still very good. It's certainly a decent tune if you fancy chilling out and watching the world go by. Like with 'Positive Tension' it does start building in tempo later on with a drumbeat, which is a bit of a shame as it doesn't really need to, but it dies down for the last 30 seconds or so.
'She's Hearing Voices' is a little bit different from anything else on the album. The 'jangling' guitars work to good effect, and there is certainly proof of the early 80's new wave music influence here.
'This Modern Love' is a big highlight of the album. It's one of those songs that can stay in your head for hours, due to it's charming melody and vocals.
'The Pioneers' and 'Price of Gasoline' have something lacking from them that is on the majority of the other album tracks, but yet I can't quite put my finger on what's missing! (apologies for the vagueness of the description!!) But yet, other bands from this genre would quite happily want tracks like these on their albums, so perhaps it's because of Bloc Party's high standard of quality.
'So Here We Are' seemed to just push the band further into the mainstream limelight. It's a nice (for use of a better word!) and melodic track, and the vocals echoing give it a haunting feel. If you think you're unaware of any Bloc Party tracks, this may well be one you've heard on the radio at some point.
'Luno' revives the more upbeat parts of the album. It's certainly a head-nodding, toe-tapping song, and this is when Bloc Party are at their best, especially when live.
'Plans', despite being so near the end of the album is another highlight, especially on first hearing. It does have a slight tendency to grow-down on you after a few listens however, if this is at all possible, rather than grow on you like tracks like 'Luno' and 'This Modern Love' do.
'Compliments' finishes the album beautifully. A very melodic song that helps sum up the album nearly perfectly. It has a fading feel to it, just as if the album is drawing to a close.
One disappointment is the exclusion of 'Little Thoughts' - certainly try and download it (legally of course!) if you can find it. Make sure you give this album a few listens as well, as you notice far more on the second and third listens, such as the impressive drum beats or catchy guitaring.
Most of the tracks do follow the same path of speeding up gradually as they go on, which could hint that some are too similar to each other, but I feel this formula works well.
Obviously, with it's recent release it won't be TOO cheap, but I picked mine up off Amazon for £8.99, which isn't too shabby!!
Finally, I should point out they're a very strong live act - I watched them at Reading Festival in 2004, and I'm planning on doing so in 2005. Try and catch them if you can!
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Styled more along the lines of a revolutionary cell than a band, Bloc Party approach the ... more
medium of rock'n'roll with the sort of high seriousness usually reserved for philosophy lectures. Yet on their debut album,Silent Alarm, this "autonomous unit" of ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Styled more along the lines of a revolutionary cell than a band, Bloc Party approach the ... more
medium of rock'n'roll with the sort of high seriousness usually reserved for philosophy lectures. Yet on their debut album, Silent Alarm, this "autonomous unit" of...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: It's an excellent album, totally different to everything else. Contains one of the best song's I've heard in years Disadvantages: A few tracks take their time to grow. Instantly compared to bands like Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, without being judged on its own merit
Advantages: Lyrically and vocally compelling.Sounds bit like Joy Division, Sonic Youth, The Cure and such like Disadvantages: The vocals can sometimes bit a bit shouty and musically they aren't that impressive or different.
Advantages: It's an excellent album, totally different to everything else. Contains one of the best song's I've heard in years Disadvantages: A few tracks take their time to grow. Instantly compared to bands like Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, without being judged on its own merit
Advantages: Lyrically and vocally compelling.Sounds bit like Joy Division, Sonic Youth, The Cure and such like Disadvantages: The vocals can sometimes bit a bit shouty and musically they aren't that impressive or different.
Apr 5th, 2005
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