Three days ago Bloc Party dropped a little surprise with their plans for a new album. Three days later, it’s out. If “Mercury” didn’t quite shock your monkey, don’t give up. This is being typed as Intimacy is getting its first spin, and so it is the prematurest of evaluations, but for the most part it’s sounding better than the last.
The record’s produced by both Paul Epworth (Silent Alarm) and Jacknife Lee (A Weekend In The City), and it plays like a cross fade of both. Opener “Ares” touches it all in 3:30, Kele in glamorous Ludacris cadence over big open-hat Tong drums, Chem Bros guitars, disruptive synths. “Halo”‘s back to “Helicopter” mode. “One Month Off” pairs “Banquet” guitars with Okereke in digital cuts and snips. They didn’t overdo the shots for the heart this time, and they’re stronger for it: there’s just one cousin for “Blue Light” (“Biko”), and another for “Little Thoughts”/”This Modern Love” (see: “Ion Square”). And they’re snatching subtle tricks from good sources (check the “15 Step” sound and syncopation to the glitchy beat in “Zepherus,” the nod to Sigur Rós’s “Sæglópur” on the bell-laden intro to chill out cut “Signs”). Still need more listens to know if something glorious is about to happen, but this first one’s left me pleasantly surprised.
Time for listen two. Join the listening party.
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after first few listens, left a much better/greater impression than weekend in the city, my favorite is Ion square
I couldn’t download Biko with the rest of the album but first impressions are pretty good on the rest of the album.
anonymous
Strong album thus far. A step in the right direction. While I loved Weekend, it definitly was too dramatic at times. This has much more balance.
this is no silent alarm, but what it does share with their never-to-be-topped debut is that sense of urgency, a certain spark, that was lacking on their second record.
the majority of songs seem strong and the blend of spiky guitars and electronic textures is surprisingly compelling instead of sounding forced.
perhaps it was because i had low expectations based on AWITCY and “mercury” – which has grown on me and makes better sense within the context of the album – but this is sounding like an 8/10 at the moment…
I listened to most of it on my way to work this morning (stupid highway traffic) and I pretty much like everything I heard except the first two tracks. I don’t mind when they do goofy Flux-esque electronics, but why do they have to remix his voice? It sounds like they’ve set their sights on getting into the next installment of “Jock Jams.”
It’s no Silent Alarm (What is?), but it’s about as good as WITC. A very nice surprise overall (considering a week ago I was not expecting a BP release at all).
That has to be one of the ugliest bands I’ve ever seen. Regardless, I like to dance to Silent Alarm.
actually, unlike many indie rock bands, bloc party doesn’t have some ugly dude they hide in the back. i think they’re all pretty attractive.
When I saw them play live, I thought Kele was pretty hot.
Are you people kidding me? This album is shit.
The first two songs are laughably bad.
Awful Chemical Brothers wannabe songs abound!
It’s decent, better than “Weakend”, Halo, Trojan Horse, and One Month Off are the stand-outs.
Have they managed to actually write a decent tune yet? No? Oh well, perhaps next time.
we did it first – and better.
Are you secretly Thom Yorke, referring to the method of release? If so, you’re dead right. In some ways, this rushed digital release feels like an overwrought marketing gimmick.
Having been highly impressed by Silent Alarm, and somewhat disappointed by AWITC (its initial drama and ambition wasn’t backed up by particularly impressive lyrics or such memorable tunes), I have to say I’m actually quite shocked by the direction the band have taken. I don’t even feel like blaming the four-piece either: I think the fault lies entirely with the malign influence of Jacknife Lee, who insists on turning everything into a reminder of his Big Beat past. Add to this the fact that Kele is running on empty in terms of vocal melodies, and still insists on adding wince-worthy details in the lyrics, and I feel like they’ve just submitted themselves to the producer without thinking about whether one can actually love their music. All the noodling about with the vocal samples and silly glitchy effects only works if the songs themselves are good enough, and these feel like studio off-cuts, sketches. Some of the sonic experimentation just sounds unpleasant as opposed to interesting.
I expected a few more comments about this by now, but I guess people just don’t care about these guys anymore. Oh, well.
I think the album is pretty solid after the first two songs. As far as the Chemical Brothers, at this point in time, the Chemical Brothers are Chemical Brother Wannabees and are mere shadows of their former self and have been for years. I really like “One Month Off”. The last 3 songs more then make up for the lackluster first two songs. I have heard there may be some different songs on the physical release. Overall I think this is a solid album. I would rate it around 7.0 on a Pitchfork scale.
I’d rate that comment about a 3.4 on the “pitchfork scale”
fggt
fggt? Really. Joke or not, damn dude. Jesus christ. I’d said it once and I’ll say it again sometimes Stereogum commenters are just the worst. Anybody enjoy just discussing music anymore? Jesus.
Yes?
amazingity.
perfect album for the step in the right direction, everything.
and I definitely loved/liked weekend in the city, even though it wasnt so well recieved.
wow… this album is horrendously band
it actually makes the last one seem not too bad in comparison
holy crap
“Chemical Brothers are Chemical Brother Wannabees and are mere shadows of their former self and have been for years” – thank-you for saying that.
This album is decent, its defintely not in the Silent Alarm category, but its a much better step than their last, and as said above, a nice surprise.
I like the album, it’s pretty good. That being said, there are two terrible parts that need to be mentioned. First is the key-change in One Month Off. It is terrible. Second is the choir in Zepherus. It sounds like Gansta’s Paradise. Other than that, it’s a solid album.
after giving the album a couple spins, im kind of indifferent about it. the first two songs aren’t that great at all (although “mercury” is a lot less-worse in the context of a whole album surprisingly), but “halo” then picks it up a lot. the rest of the album is ok though, some stand out moments, but nothing really spectacular. ion square is a great closer though. i have a feeling that this album will take a good amount of time to grow on me just like AWITC.
I agree that the first two songs are kinda lame, but the rest of the album is excellent. i cant wait to hear the other tracks that will be on the actual cd.
Silent Alarm absolutely ruled ass. AWITC absolutely sucked ass. What this album does with ass remains to be seen, for I have yet to listen.
FTW: It takes it in the ass.
pitchfork are queers anyway
Man forget everyone talking sh*t about this album, it combines the rawness of SIlent Alarm and the punch of WITC. I give this a 9.0 at least.
Great album. Totally agree with Joe. This is an amazing combination of what they do but still with it’s own sound.
I don’t know why everyone shits on A Weekend In The City – I think that album is absolutely fantastic. Sure, it was wide-eyed, yearning and naive, but that is what made is so good. It had grand gestures and wonderful textures.
This, on the other hand, is a bit disappointing. For me, it feels like a step backwards: same angular stuff – now with added electronics. These guys are so capable of writing big gorgeous songs – and I wish they would continue to do so. This album may just flop – which is unfortunate for them – but it is an ugly sounding album. Sounds rushed and inhuman, whereas the last one unfolded and felt warm and human.
The last minute-and-a-half of “Ion Square” is the biggest thing released this year. This album might not touch “Silent Alarm” in terms of urgency but it’s going to hold up in its own right. And facts being facts, it’s about time we stopped rhapsodizing “Silent Alarm” and moved on. 2005 was a long time ago and given how nasty we’ve gotten, it’s hard to say if people would even like “Silent Alarm” if it came out now. “Intimacy” is as good (and as progressive a sound) as you’re going to hear from a rock band this year. They may not always get it right but BP is a band that has always tried to move forward. Hate it or love it.
Jesus-fucking-CHRIST do you people fucking like ANYTHING anymore?!?! Do you even like music??
A band surprises you with a new album that you probably downloaded for FREE off of piratebay, you digested it, and fucking shit all over it in a matter of what… 6 hours?!?!? its takes time for music to make its way into your heart, and to matter, and become relevant.
If i was in a band I would fucking hate to have fans like you… you are all a bunch of goddamn fucking TWATS.
Most people are going to listen to this and like it, and maybe even love it. And you will be sitting along in your room at your computer, spreading more hate about some other band that people love. Why are you even here?
I dont think that’s true, Jeffrey. You seem to be the one sitting at your computer spewing hate.
I think that anyone that took the time to put any thought in their comment today had surprisingly reasonable things to say. This is a music board– we’re all digesting an album in real time, which is pretty great in my opinion.
What else do you think the band expect when they do something cool like dropping a surprise album like this?
It does take time for music to make its way to your heart– BUT that doesn’t mean first impressions count for something. Personally, I think Intimacy is a mixed bag– sounds like a lot of other folks do too.
Maybe you should (truly!) spend your time helping me see the album in a different way. Maybe the way you see it.
Ya twat.
So I am only one listen in, but I just don’t know if I can get behind this one.
Bloc Party are a pretty good band. Nothing more can be said about Silent Alarm– one of the best debuts of the 2000s, no question. I even liked Weekend in the City more than most– I’d rather see a band overreach than copy themselves on the second time around.
This one just sounds all over the place– and the track lising doesnt help. The first two tracks are awful: I see what they’re trying to do, but it just doesn’t seem to gel for me. The rest of the record actually gets better and better– but it never picks up momentum, alternating between C-rate Radiohead cops and A minus-rate Bloc Party cuts. One Month Off is great, sure– but it really is just Little Helicopter Thoughts, and I guess I hoped for more by now.
I would actually like both the last two records a little more oddly if the order was Silent Alarm -> Intimacy -> Weekend. The progression would make more sense, at least.
I definitely need more Intimacy time, but I dont know that this baby’s gonna stick.
I think most of these tracks would be awesome live. They need to get back to the fuck-you-up drum beats and less sappy messages. Trojan Horse is the best song for me. Halo and one month off are a close second, the rest does sound rushed. I hope they choose wisely for their official release. You just gotta remember what sounds like shit on a cd is incredible live like all of WITC.
how can people shit on MGMT for being an insincere formulaic hodgepodge when bloc party is out and about?
This record just confirms everything i suspected about Bloc Party after I saw them on tour: they don’t know how to write songs. They are proficient musicians, but there’s no soul. Everything they’ve done since Silent Alarm has sounded so forced, the very opposite of effortless. Just listen to “Ion Square” – never has a song tried so desperately to sound anthemic. These guys clearly have nothing more to offer. it’s sad, really.
you all are fucking cunts.
seriously. just enjoy the album. its not silent alarm, it never will be, and no matter if people say they arent comparing, they are. most depressing page Ive ever read on this damn site.
GO BLOC PARTYYYY
So Far…. so good. I liked BOTH SILENT ALARM (a true Modern Classic) and WITC for vastly different reasons. After my first half-dozen listens to INTIMACY, it seems like it may end up following the same path.
And in my mind, that’s a GOOD thing. I knew early on that BLOC PARTY were smart enough, and talented enough to frequently strike out in new directions seeking new creative energy. Sometimes the results are not as astounding as we would like, but when they hit… THEY HIT BIG!
Bloc Party fell off the map for me after the forgetable A Weekend In the City. Silent Alarm eventually got stale and boring, especially after I started picking up on their influences (Why take a substitute when you can have the real deal, is my thought.) I just don’t think I care about them anymore to give this a listen. I thought they were going to be extraordinarily important after their debut, but everything I’ve heard since sounds like they’re relatively stuck and making only millimeter steps improving while other bands who came out the same time as them have jumped ahead by leaps and bounds.
Wait, people are saying there will be different tracks on the physical release? I hope not, considering that I opted to save $10 and only order the digital download. I
Silent Alarm – perfection
A Weekend in The City – emo-laiden, overly dramatic whinefest
Intimacy – experimental confusion
I do think Intimacy will grow on me with each listen. I’m on listen #4 and pretty sold on Ares (even if pale version of Chem Bros “Setting Sun”), Halo, Better Than Heaven and Ion Square.
WHY DO THEY CHANGE PITCH IN ONE MONTH OFF??? I mean, granted, the song is so repetitive by that point in the song I’m ready to switch it off, but boooooooooooo!
I do feel all the changes in melody that made Silent Alarm so brilliant are severly lacking on this latest effort. If changes come at all they appear as hurried, last minute thoughts tacked onto the very last moments of a song.
Again, I hope this improves with repeated listens. Although that didn’t happen with AWITC.
Listened to and deleted already. These guys had a pretty clear choice after the clear and accessible power of Silent Alarm and the utter mediocrity of Weekend; become a straightforward but engaging indie rock band or make bland, confused and forgettable dance music. I guess they made their choice. Even the couple of tracks (“Biko”, “Signs”) that sound like their older shit just drag and come off as boring and uninspired. Signs sounds like something I would’ve made on fruity loops in tenth grade. WTF.
better than heaven is fucking sick
I can’t get enough of this album. Best of 2008 so far.
I didn’t love AWITC but this one has got them back where they needed to be.
It’s nice to see that someone on here finally “gets” it. I’m with you on this.
To clarify, that was in response to dramamine’s response and not the one above me (i.e. I don’t think the album is good.)
wow, Michael, way to so shockingly agree with something all people who never spend enough time with their two newest albums believe! really put yourself out there.
way to “get it”. god, the music snobbery and predictability makes me want to hurl.
I’ll go continue enjoying the new album, instead of searching for reasons not to like it, like expecting them to remain stagnant to their first album, or say that its confused and forgettable. well I’m not confused. maybe you just need to get used to some more-electronic-based rock? not sure.
high five guys.
You make a very weak argument, the tone of frustration due to my dislike of this album seems rather evident, and I do not understand why you are so upset. I simply don’t like this album. My opinion, Bloc Party’s music has become a cliche sound this day in age, and I think they’ve gone from being a band with Radiohead-like potential to fizzling out into a sea of dulling, redundant post-punk beats and electronic elements that seem more forced than genuine and uninspired than innovative. Last time, I checked “this was America”, and sharing my opinion counted. Each and every one of us on this board is entitled to our own beliefs. It’s not music snobbery — It’s called my own personal taste and apparently others on here seem to share those same sentiments. How is my opinion predictable, as well? Is it because you automatically assumed that many would dislike this album due to the fact that Bloc Party isn’t quite as popular as they were 4 years ago, and not the posterchildren of Pitchfork? If so, that is somewhat insulting to the band on your part. I really do not care about a band’s current hype level, and approach each release by an artist as totally new and separate than their earlier work. I am sorry (I truly am) that some people do not like your beloved band’s new release, and I respect that you find this to be an enjoyable album. However, I would prefer that if you are going to lambast me, you take a minute beforehand to accept divergant opinions, and base your argument less on assumptions on how I approached this album because you have me figured out all wrong. Agree to disagree is my best course of advice here.
here’s the thing…
It would’ve been a lot easier to take if it hadn’t just been a post saying: I agree.
And I had issues with the guy/girl you were agreeing with, saying they deleted it right away? (nothing screams “statement of my musical snobbery” more than that, imo).
and I’ve mostly only read good things aside from this stereogum page.
also, I feel like people don’t give it any time, listen once and say “oh, this is *label* so I’ll tell everyone on stereogum”.
on another note, it’s nice Pitchfork had a completely negative outlook on the whole album, as I just read. sigh, this is worse than their Bjork – Volta review.
im done defending this.
You have nothing to defend in regards to your outlook on the album, I understand what you are saying. I listened to it in full like five times before I came to my conclusion, but I do see the trouble with giving something a one-through and making a decision on whether you like it or not. A lot of things stated here are pretty premature and stream of conscious, so I take them as a grain of salt but that’s the culture of message boards. Consider the Pitchfork review a blessing, as well.
Thanks, I’m happy with where we left off on this. :)
(but why should I consider the P4K review a blessing?)
I said that because I feel when Pitchfork gives something you like a good review, it’s like you’re happy they liked it, good for the band, hurray, everyone wins and the band starts selling tons of copies on Insound.com. When they give something you like a negative review, it allows you to say you saw something in the album they didn’t. That negative review is going to deter all the casual/trendy music people who just look at the score, and if it isn’t an 8.0 or higher, dismiss the album altogether before hearing it. We know those people are out there, so be glad you’re not someone who looks to someone else’s opinion to shape their’s.
pitchfork sucks….this album is excellent.
Better than Heaven? Biko? Ion Square? OK, terrible album altogether, i mostly blame the producer, and i blame the band for picking and giving power to said producer. But kmon, theres some gems hidden in them thar hills!
I think a lot of bands today unfortunately think expanding into electronic music makes them sound more mature or profound. Bloc Party is a band afflicted with this misconnception. “Ares” sounds like a bad Klaxons rave-up with completely inane anti-war lyrics. “Mercury” is an even worse single than “The Prayer” was — TV on the Radio minus the talent.
What makes the album even more frustrating is a song like “Halo” which acknowledges that these guys know how to write some great angular post-punk. The best moments on both Intimacy and AWITC are the ones that reference Silent Alarm, like the aforementioned “Halo” and “Hunting for Witches” on AWITC. I’m not asking that they rewrite Silent Alarm but both songs add their own flourishes and are unique enough to stand on their own as separate entities from that first album.
I don’t even mind the occasional ballads that they toss off. “Biko” reminded me of “Tulips,” which is one of the best songs they’ve written, and “Signs” borders on out-right gorgeous. But when they haphazzardly stumble into electro with songs like “Trojan Horse” or “Zepherus,” I’m left wondering why this band was being tapped as a savior of rock n’ roll at one point. There’s reach exceeding grasp, and there’s just being stubborn. They didn’t really remedy any of the problems that were present on the last album (i.e. they suck as an electro band), and have descended into a stubborn pursuit of ignoring their past.
This band is sooooooooooooo horrible!!! I can’t believe people were jumping on during their atrocious second album. What a pathetic fucking factory made emo band. Sure, I liked their first album a little bit back in 2005 or whatever but man…they seriously BLOW!
Okay, now really, did you people not like A Weekend in the City? Are you crazy? So, what if it’s slower than Silent Alarm. A Weekend in the City was obviously intended to be that way. If Silent Alarm was so upbeat-and that’s why you like it, then you must not appreciate Bloc Party and all it brings the world. BLOC PARTY IS NOT EMO! Sunny Day Real Estate is emo-and that is good emo. There is bad emo too, but Bloc Party DOES NOT fall in this category. Now, for the purpose of this post, INTIMACY is the single most influential album I have listened to this year. If you want to know what love is, Intimacy is where you will find your answer. Yes, it may seem like the lyrics are something you may have heard before, but KELE MADE THIS ALBUM AFTER MOTHER FUCKING HEARTBREAK! His emotions should be hitting you really hard in each and every song off of Intimacy. They are dance rock more than emo, stupid people who obviously have no idea what emo is. Halo does not sound anything like Hellicopter, and if you bought (or stole) this album take another listen. Really listen to the intruments and lyrics-then listen to them together because it all falls into unity and that is what Bloc Party is all about. They create music on another level and I could only hope to be as great as musicians as these lovely boys.
So, to conclude, this album, Intimacy, is extremely fan-tastic. And FAN is the part that should be recognized because, if you are a fan, you will like this album-or love it. If you are not a fan, stop putting your negative imput. The real fans don’t like the shit you write. And there is plenty of hate on this site. Bash a band that you actually understand-NOT BLOC PARTY. Lastly, don’t hate on Mercury. The lyrics-minus the chorus-are actually well thought out. The intruments added to the song are such genius. Plus, they perform this song so beautifully and their shows are simply, orgasmic.
I will end with this; if you hate this album, and only like Hellicopter/Silent Alarm, then you are probably not a true fan of this band. Also, if you do not like Muse-then I can see that you are musically ignorant and have no appreciation of music. (I as Muse as emphisis, not to publicize).
Thanks, and I hope someone reads this-and agrees!
<3youburnfirewithfirewood-fightlieswithlies<3
look at all the post scores. the people who bashed the album got high scores. i think that’s fucked up. negative scores were given to those who has nice words to day about intimacy. why spend your time on writing about an album you hate-unless its your job and you get paid for it. here you do not get paid for it. i agree with the last post-bet most of you will give it bad scores. but im sure he/she wont give a shit because they know that this thread has become ignorant. because this album is good-and no where near a disaster, i wonder how there could be negative reviews. i only looked up this site because i really love this album. its a waste of my time to defend it to this world…which im sure most peole who posted anything were american and not british. the brits would appreciate wonderful music coming from their country…the americans bash whats coming in. no wonder canada, england, and other countries (that are not america) have better music breaking through. americans dont give real music a chance to blossom.
*sorry to opinionatedly generalize…i may or may not be an american…
Holla.
I totally agree.
well, up until the American part, which I only kind of agree with. but great insight nonetheless.
It’s pretty easy to ignore the ones who call it emo though, that tag’s been used by junior-high kids for like, 6 years now? its plain ignorance.
TOP ALBUMS TO MAKE LOVE/BE INTIMATE TO:
INTIMACY
ORACULAR SPECTACULAR
THE BENDS
their album is very great! ares and one month off are my favourites.
if i have to make a top 3 of their studio albums (silent alarm remixed is amazing): silent alarm, intimacy, a weekend in the city.
Bloc Party is the best band out there and the new album is fantastic.. I love everything they did. So original and fresh.All you haters stop wasting time ranting and go listen to the commercial crap on Mtv maybe that bubblegum, regurgiated music will fill the void. I understand that people have different tastes but gee get a life, you dont like it move on, stop wasting your energy.
I dont particuarly like Ares and Mercury, I just guess I cant relate to the lyrics thought I think the musical content is wicked. Halo is fantastic, it reminds me of banquet, turns me on its the kind of song you make out with. Biko and Signs made me cry, I recently lost some1 to cancer and I just felt that pain all over again. Trojan horse, Zepherus and One month off remind me of my ex. Those lyrics fit perfectly for our relationship and how things changed. I love the change in One month off, I get up and dance around. My two fav songs are Better than heaven and Ion square. My boyfriend who is not a bloc party fan at all loves Better than heaven and Halo. The beats are so awesom I just love everything about this album. I found that with Silent Alarm the songs were not as personal and you can feel that in the way Kele sings. It was still a fantstic album but WITC and Intimacy bring out all the emotion. This album actually gives me the chills and changes my mood with every song. Never has an album moved me so much. Musical masterpiece
Okk it isn’t silent alarm, and I agree about how forced and self conscious kele’s lyrics in particular can be, but I like this album. Here are my ill thought through opinions on each song as I need closure. Ares is vaguely ridiculous, Mercury is in fact strangely epic, Halo is slightly dull but cool, in the same way Helicopter was, One Month Off is horrible horrible horrible die key change die die die, Trojan Horse is monstrously produced but an excellent song is hidden in their somewhere, Better Than Heaven is fantastic, Biko is beautiful, probably the best on here, Signs is beautiful, Ion Square is predictably lovely. Cannot decide on Zepherus. Of course theres no Like Eating Glass or Plans or So Here We Are, but theres a few Compliments.
i was seriously hoping for redemption after the lukewarm “weekend in the city.” this was even worse. nothing has stayed in my brain, they are all too overdone with no good chords or lyrics, it all seems awkwardly put together.
i was seriously hoping for redemption after the lukewarm “weekend in the city.” this was even worse. nothing has stayed in my brain, they are all too overdone with no good chords or lyrics, it all seems awkwardly put together.
I’ve only listened to the album a couple of times through and I agree with most of the comments I’ve read with a few exceptions.
First: it is no “Silent Alarm.” But more noticeably, it is no “Little thoughts,” no “Two More Years,” no “All of the Songs through 2005.”
Second: Even “A Weekend in the City” had memorable songs like “Song For Clay” and “Hunting For Witches” (even though these two were the exception). This album feels lukewarm across the board.
As a result, I feel like the mix has actually made the album worse. It feels like a complete tease. It’s as though each song approaches the line of memorability but fails to cross it. In terms of a band’s growth and progress, this album is lacking (unlike such albums as TV on the Radio’s “Dear Science,” to name the example that comes to mind). The extreme airy-feeling introspection of “A Weekend and the City” destroyed most of that album. Even the slight use of it here takes away from the dancy and to the point clarity the band displayed in their early music.
I list Bloc Party as one of my favorite bands, but I’m at the point where I have to specify only the music they composed before 2006. I’m once again disappointed. I hope the album grows on me.
What a pitiful excuse for music, its just a button on a computer. A big Fuck you to all the electro faggots out there who like this shit!