Silent Alarm - Bloc Party

BLOC PARTY

English Indie rock band Bloc Party consists of Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong. Lead Singer and rhythm guitarist Okereke born in Liverpool to Nigerian parents and guitarist Lissack born in Chingford were once old high school friends, luckily their paths crossed once more at the Reading festival in 1999 and decided to form a band. Bassist Moakes joined after answering an advertisement in NME magazine whilst drummer Tong was a successful audition applicant. After several name changes 2003 gave us ‘Bloc Party’ it’s believed that the name comprises of two elements ‘Bloc’ as a merging of the eastern blocks and ‘Party’ derived from the western parties, nothing too political here, just something they believed to work.

Their style of music has changed slightly over the years becoming more layered and variant, however at the time of “Silent Alarm” their raw spiky indie guitar riffs were likened to bands such as Joy Division, Depeche Mode and The Cure. Okereke’s main personal influences would include Suede’s “Dog Man Star” album and Mogwai’s album “Mogwai Youth Team” In February 2005, the band released their debut album Silent Alarm. ….

• Kele Okereke – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
• Russell Lissack – lead guitar
• Gordon Moakes – bass guitar, backing vocals, synthesiser
• Matt Tong – drums, backing vocals

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SILENT ALARM
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Silent Alarm received worldwide critical acclaim, selling more than 350,000 copies in America alone and over a million worldwide; certified platinum in the UK and reaching number 3 in the album charts, no doubting that Bloc Party’s debut effort was a major success. The Plaudits didn’t stop rolling in; it was voted 2005 album of the year in NME magazine, and many nominations to follow including best Alternative act of 2005 at the MTV awards. 2006 ranked the album highly in many illustrious magazines versions of greatest ever British Albums along with a whole host of other high profile nominations.

The first single from the album, "So Here We Are/Positive Tension", reached number 5 in the UK singles chart. Luckily Radio 1’s Steve Lamacq championed a demo sent him, giving them early airplay and a prominent early profile. Three further singles released of the album failed to hit the same high notes, but still respectfully “Banquet” reached number 13 in the Singles charts, whilst “Helicopter” and “Pioneers” just outside the top 20.

Since the release of the original Silent Alarm album, a further two more tracks were added to coincide with their then present touring, these two extra singles are available on single or on the DVD-CD version of Silent Alarm. A team of reputable remixers also took the album and used the powerful rhythm sections turning them into dance/disco type themes, however elaborate the new sound; it never strayed too far away from the original sounds.

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TRACK LISTINGS
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1 Like Eating Glass (4.22) Electric long intro its urgent and frantic, Tonge’s drum line is mixed louder than the siren lead guitars to add emphasis been the opener to the album. After the guitar riffs wind down the energetic rapid Okereke breaks into song, lead by the loud vibrant drum line. The Urgency lasts throughout the track, the catchy chorus It’s so cold in this house / it’s so cold in this house… Like drinking poison / Like eating glass / like drinking poison / like eating glass. Is energetic and repetitive really driving this forward. It’s an atmospheric opener, rather echoing in style. The guitar rhythms are steady and easy, but the detail and breakdown makes this a clever track, the flow continues throughout but with the influx of instruments and percussion is broken down, with a stop start feel in the background, giving you someone extra than a normal rock/indie sound. It’s a really catchy opener, and paves the way for what’s to come it’s so energetic you cannot pause for breath, but the sounds derived are awesome and stand out, the catchy repetitive chorus makes this a memorable opener, one which I’m forever playing air-drums too. Welcome to Silent Alarm. 8/10

2 Helicopter (3.40) Helicopter" reached number 29 in the UK singles charts, its noted for the furious fast tempo of 171 beats per minute, and features on many PlayStation games such as FIFA 06,Guitar Hero III and Legends Of Rock. The song is lyrically sound, focusing on the American red states and political regimes He’s born a liar / He’ll die a liar… / …he’s just like his dad / He’s just like his dad / Same mistakes / Some things will never be different… / …why can’t you be / More European? The theme is continued from the opener it’s electric, raw and very urgent, another long intro of spiky guitar riffs, until Okereke breaks into rapid verse, the theme is thrashed and simple, the rhythm section has a post punk/funk feel, the slightly howling melodic backing vocals give this extra atmosphere, the vocals are mixed up enough, frantic almost shouting to harmonies that oddly suit. The Keyboards are so prominent, lively and bouncy throughout that I’ve now ditched the drums and playing air-keyboard. It’s a popular track but not one of my particular favorites, maybe due to lack of inconsistency, by that I mean the pace of everything is to continuous, and not mixed up enough for me. 6/10

3 Positive Tension (3.55) another long intro of indulgent sounds, the drum headlines here with rhythmic patterned lines accompanied with a solitary slow bassline. Admittedly I like this more without the introduction of Okereke tones. Until we reach the chorus that is, and my attention is ignited, background echoing vocals support Okereke’s almost yearning charms. To be honest the further this tracks goes, the better it is, it’s mixed up approach in speed, singing and instrumentals keeps you interested. Positive Tension is about the dangers of boredom He said that you're just as boring as everyone else / nothing ever happens / Things replace things and how it can lead you to doing the wrong kind of things Play it cool boy / Play it cool It’s slightly different to the opening two tracks, but following a similar pattern. Not one of my favorite’s songs of the album, but still a decent offering, but maybe lost with more highlights to come. 6/10

4 Banquet (3.21) Banquet released April 2005 is one of the highlights for me, peaking at number 13 in the UK singles charts, and their breakthrough single in North America. Banquet is about power and domination A heart of stone, a smoking gun / I can give you life, I can take it away” sex and desire “Turning into my soul / I wanted to bite not destroy / to feel her underneath / Turning into my soul Banquet leaps at you from the start tight and energetic the lead guitar and rhythm guitar playing in staccato style. The chemistry between Moake’s Bass and Tong’s drums are electric they combine and interchange with efficient ease. This is highly sophisticated with tight lines and stretched rhythm sections that ooze quality. What stands out more than anything for me is it’s the first time you get to hear the Soulful tones in Okereke’s voice, soothing and charming. The chorus is undeniably catchy, and I could sing it over and over for hours much to my work colleague’s annoyance. The drum lines are pounding and driven, which I think is the ultimate highlight of this song; you cannot fail to be air drumming by the end. I love this song, gives me a sense of satisfaction. 10/10

5 Blue Light (2.47) a significant shift as the light fades for track number five, the tempo and mood has slowed remarkably. The drum ticks along delicately to a timid vibrant guitar strum. The glockenspiel and Xylophone set’s the scene for an effective yearning ballad, supported with harmonic vocals. It’s not the best track of the album but what it achieves is diversity, and it works, you appreciate the range in Okereke’s voice as he yearns out If that’s the way it is / then that’s the way it is and You are the bluest light / you are the bluest light. As ballads go, it’s no world beater, and you could certainly forget this tracks exists amongst the other gems, but it has enough weight to be liked 5/10

6 She’s Hearing Voices (3.29) this song refers to a friend of Okereke’s that suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, and the reference to the medication in lyrics Red pill / Blue pill / Milk of amnesia, seem to support this. Another slight shift in this offering, the constant thumping beat is at the heart to this, siren sounding riffs give this appropriate element to the message inside the lyrics, hand claps and chanting gives this an eerie feel. The riffs are slow, boisterous and very interesting mixed into the repetitive chorus; it’s chaotic, swirling and atmospheric, giving a hollow ghostly verb. “She’s Hearing Voices” holds its own as an album track, but to be released as a single I doubt its credentials, however it’s got an irresistible melody, it’s a mixed up arrangement full of stop, starts and little quirks. The complexity in Okereke’s voice is significant here, ranging from chanting, to almost muttering. The thumping beat makes this a real stomping type sound, which issues a slight dance/rock theme. 6/10

7 This Modern Love (3.29) Laden with Glockenspiel and Xylophones “This Modern Love” is about the trials of a 15year old lying on his bed starring at the ceiling. What are you holding out for? / What's always in the way? / Why so damn absent-minded? / Why so scared of romance? Beautiful minimal intro, as the Xylophone holds a daunting, high pitched whirring noise, which you could easily get lost into. Before the vocals and rhythm section enters as the song intensifies. Slowing back down, you get the feel the message in the lyrics is fairly deep! The Xylophone prominent throughout takes back centre stage, stepping up the surge, as we intensify once again. It’s heartfelt and minimalistic in approach, reminds me of 80s style indie music. I like this as it’s stripped down basic and fairly raw, it also offers something different to the rest of the album, Okereke’s singing seems to overlap himself in the chorus, again I don’t think this could stand alone as a single, but it fits the album perfectly, adding a different blend to the mix of spiky guitar riff, and banging drum lines. 7/10

8 Pioneers (3.35) Pioneers launched as a single, reached a respectable 18 in the UK singles chart. This manages to capture the angst, and disconcerted outlook and lack of optimism, hopelessness that one can gage in the government, social issues. If it can be broke then it can be fixed / if it can be fused then it can be split, Pioneers opens up with a series of beautifully delayed guitar harmonics, which intensifies and gathers more and more fuel. Kele’s voice is strangled and at times near shouting with gusto. It’s a cracking simple addition, plenty of passion and appeal. Having said all that I think this works better as an instrumental alone, another good quality addition but nothing ground breaking. 6/10

9 Price of Gas (4.19) Oh how true the words are The Price of Gas, keeps on rising, nothing comes for free Price of Gas" is back on the political theme, largely about the Kyoto Agreement and the ecological collapse, Oppressive movements, and the military War / War / War / War Driven by a marching sound created by Moakes walking with planks of wood strapped to his feet. It’s laden with electrifying guitars, electronics and an array of raucous percussion. Background chanting and high pitched shouting from Kele set the precedence for this anti war/oppression theme. It’s vicious, pulsating and dramatic as they saunter along at a race of Knots. It’s raw edge and atmospheric you can really feel the sense of the message through the music. It’s definitely one of the highlights of the album, and so distinctive. 9/10

10 So Here We Are (3.52) First single to be released by Bloc Party, reaching number 5 in the singles chart. The intro is heavenly a gentle whirring of rippling guitar riffs echoed by subtle gentle vocals. This Indie Ballad is subdued and heartfelt, layered guitars, it’s rhythmical and not overly complex that just builds and builds into a crescendo of urgency. The Yearning pleas in Kele’s voice becomes almost euphoric towards the end, it’s creative and sends you on a journey of coming around from a rush on ecstasy. It’s delicacy and limited vocals are the key, you can imagine a real crowd pleaser at clubs and concerts, you can drift into the sound, and forget where you are, it’s obvious to me why this single was such a success, I love it! 9/10

11 Luno (3.57) Surprise to me that this was never released as a single, one of my personal favourites, however not widely renowned as a success. “Luno” begins with a long intro of 32 bars of bass guitar and drums, a raucous pace, its rapid nature is engaging, fluent and simple. The drum again takes centre stage, with some wicked rhythmic lines. It’s similar in style to “Banquet” and “Helicopter” but without the recognition. Its ferocious indie rock and roll at best, the repetitive lyrics '''And your nose is bleeding / You've been lying to me / There will be no hesitation / There will be no confrontation / There will be no indication / There will be no cause / There will be no exultation / There will be no justification / There will be no way at all / And your nose is bleeding / You've been lying to me''' make this stick in your head, chanting the familiar words over and over. I love this but I’m lost weather to play air drums or guitar whilst screeching. 9/10

12 Plans (4.10) It’s a mid-tempo song it’s delicate enough, but with enough energy to keep the theme from the previous few tracks going. It’s a good use of Synthesizers, and a good rhythm section as the pace picks up a little. Kele’s Soulful tones can be heard well without the raucous background noise. Not entirely sure what the track is about, whether the future plans growing up or as a band We're all scared of the future / We make plans for big times / Get bogged down, distracted / We make plans for good times It’s a decent track and fits in nicely, but it’s not one of the most memorable. 6/10

13 Compliments (4.43) Atmospheric “Compliments” finishes the album, with an eerie effect. Synthesizers, Electric drum kit and harrowing symbols shade the icy mood. The approach is very slowing, addictive and totally different to anything else on the album. The vocals are only added to this headspace as support to the music, it’s innovative and appealing. I actually think it’s a great way to end the album, as the depth is ultra sincere, oozing appeal leaving you with the sense for needing more. 6/10

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SUMMARY
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Silent Alarm is a remarkable debut album that holds your attention pretty much throughout the journey. There are many appeals from the spiky layered guitar riffs, to the rhythmic drum lines, it’s obviously edgy and a little raw been a debuting album, but sand those corners down, and a gem of a debut is underneath. What’s more is they don’t rest on their laurels; the album is diverse enough to make it slightly innovative, which has to be applauded for what was a new band.

So what’s under the cover? You have the slow ballad, the effects stimulated provoker, the songs that gather momentum, the urgent effect laden guitars, thought provoking lyrics, which all in all make this an intelligent, skilful, infectious and ultimately intense post-punk/funk offering.

Bloc Party are one of my favourite bands for a number of reasons, lyrically they are tight and thoughtful, culture, war and girls are ambitious, emotive and intriguing enough. Kele’ has plenty of Soul in his voice, but has enough range to cover many bases. But ultimately it’s all about the sound they provoke; it’s electrifying, rhythmical and so catchy. Once more you will find no big ego’s here or the need to hold the mainstream limelight, which to me is endearing. Silent Alarm, aimed to create an album that appeals to different musical genres, which I think it clearly does, punk/funk to indie rock, to Garage and Dance. To compact all these sounds into an album itself is impressive. Silent Alarm is build around carefully built arrangements and the composition clearly focuses on rhythm, drums and bass. Overall I’d say its an eclectic taste, one you would either love or hate, but regardless of that there is no denying their talent, I could not recommend this highly enough been one of my favourite albums.

Amazon Price £4.97
Remixed version £4.99