Bloc Party Writes New Chapter With ‘Hymns’

Jordan Bailey

“It’s a new day for Bloc Party,” this according to the indie band’s lead singer Kele Okereke. After a few uncertain years for the band, solidification has finally occurred and Bloc Party has begun a new chapter. “Hymns” is their first album since 2012’s “Four.” It features greenhorn members Justin Harris on bass, and Louise Bartel on drums. As Okereke explains, not only is this a new day for the band, but also a logical evolution from where they’ve been.

Contrary to the album’s title, “HYMNS” isn’t overtly pious in context, but there is some faith to be found. In the second track, “Only He Can Heal Me,” Okereke sings, “let me wait until my savior comes home/for only he can heal me.” There’s no getting around the religious aspects of this line and the entire track for that matter. Throughout the song, there’s talk of cleansing rivers, stolen grace and crumbling spirits. These faith-based lyrics are sung over a lively beat, juxtaposed by a smooth piano progression and a background bravado repetitively chanting the song’s title. In “The Good News,” Okereke struggles with telling his pastor the truth and finding the goodness within his heart. Though again, the general tone of the song is upbeat as a twangy slide guitar, hand claps and gospel singers dominate during the chorus. Aside from these tracks, the concept of the whole album seems to focus on various forms of love. “So Real” speaks on losing a piece of yourself to an ex-lover while “Fortress” explains the inexplicable feeling of security one feels when lying in bed with another and “Exes” dives into, well, Okereke’s past relationships, denying closure and reliving specific moments of awkwardness.

Pre-release single “The Love Within” is one of the more danceable numbers on the album. It would be easy to assume the powerful notes that lay the foundation for the track are keyboard synths but according to Okereke, those progressions are from none other than longtime guitarist Russell Lissack. The wobbly, vertigo-inducing noise is actually from Lissack’s unique effects pedal. In fact, similar sounds appear throughout the album, many of which come from the guitarist. “Virtue” also follows that classic indie-dance formula. It’s a pounding track, sang with passion and featuring what one can only imagine is another one of Lissack’s distinctive effects tinged with just enough reverb to send listeners into space. The album as a whole is sentimental, honest and quite diverse leaving fans satisfied, yet hungry for more.

“Hymns” will be released on Jan. 29 via Apple Music. Pre-orders can be purchased here.