A seamless blend of creativity and simplicity is perhaps the definitive feature of Bloc Party’s latest album, Hymns. It is the first album released by the indie rock quartet since their line-up changed dramatically when their original drummer, Matt Tong, and bassist, Gordon Moakes, parted ways with the band in 2013 and 2015 respectively. The return was, in typical Bloc Party style, immense. After a period of uncertainty and speculation over the band’s future, Hymns silenced critics and quelled the anxiety of fans.
The album is rife with (as it;s title suggests) biblical references throughout that are ingeniously used in conveying Kele’s (singer and rhythm guitarist of Bloc Party) profound and honest lyrical messages. The album swings from theme to theme throughout, but never discordantly. From the wonderfully minimalistic ‘Fortress,’ a song that reflects genuine sensual desire, to the sombre ‘Different Drugs,’ a meditation on an increasingly distant relationship with a loved one, Hymns, is an album that encapsulates many different aspects of human emotion.
There is certainly a sense that this album represents Kele’s most mature lyrical creation thus far; his self-reflection and melancholic tone, which is not omnipresent but certainly important throughout the album, is particularly intriguing when compared to the majority of Bloc Party’s older material. This is evident in the beautiful ‘So Real,’ in which he questions “What am I supposed to do / when the only good thing about me was you?”
Musically, the album may well be Bloc Party’s most diverse in terms of its artistry; a somewhat unbelievable feat to those who are familiar with past Bloc Party albums. With influences drawn from alternative and indie rock, hip hop and dance music, listening to ‘Hymns’ becomes an all-inclusive journey that can open the eyes to a whole new world of genre-hopping. The opening track, ‘The Love Within,’ is a highlight on an album packed full of special moments. An electronically synthesised motif subtly alludes to modern dance genres such as drum and bass, but Bloc Party refuse to lose their roots in what is probably the most energetic track on the album. Throughout, Kele expresses himself confidently, often in imperative phrases such as “let your eyes meet this world,” and periodically asks his audience a question he clearly feels is pertinent: “Don’t you want to get high?” Due to its’ energy and the desire to move that overwhelms its’ listeners, this is definitely a Bloc Party song to dance to when you take over the aux cord at a party.
However, arguably the finest song on the album is one that demonstrates the sustained relevance of Bloc Party’s original style. Loaded with simple but stylish guitar riffs, this song could easily have been found on an earlier album, and yet still accentuates the band’s musical development. This is plainly obvious in Kele’s excellent vocals throughout the track. They defy the parameters tacitly set for indie rock singers – he is tuneful, adventurous and unique in his lyrical style throughout the album.
Overall, Hymns is a fantastic album that highlights the ability of great bands to develop over time whilst never abandoning their roots. Bloc Party have certainly returned from a difficult period in a redeeming and intelligent manner.
Words by Harry Kite.