Bloc Party
Silent Alarm

THE REVIEW

After some promising singles and an intense, acclaimed live activity, Bloc Party arrives at their awaited debut. The English specialized press has already started the media hype that will probably lead to them being crowned as the best new rock group of 2005.

We could, of course, start the citation game and say that certain tracks recall the early Cure (the more aggressive ones from "Three Imaginary Boys") or the mature Cure from "Pornography" (especially for the percussion), that there are guitars typical of the recent garage rock revival (The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand et al.), and there is, as is mandatory today, the fusion between dance/funk and rock (more akin to the sensitivity of certain Blur rather than USA groups like Rapture, I believe: "Banquet" recalls the approach of "Girls And Boys").

That said, we must immediately clarify that Bloc Party skillfully mixes the various inspirations and ultimately emerge as one of the most original groups from the recent rock scene.
The booming and dynamic rhythm section, intersected by piercing guitar riffs, supported by thumping bass, gives consistency and conviction to songs that maintain a pronounced and inspired pop sense. The beginning, "Like Eating Glass," is not exhilarating but the piece is intriguing, and after repeated listens, it proves successful and is an excellent introduction to the electric shocks of the following "Helicopter," "Positive Tension," and "Banquet".
At this point, even the sequence of tracks (which plays a significant role in the success of an album) proves to be spot-on: the fifth track allows catching one's breath. "Blue Light" is not a real ballad but a type of slow track that plays on atmospheres and hypnotic rhythms.
The second part of the album continues without obvious declines, better defining a refined and personal sound. Among the characteristics of the Bloc Party sound is the ability to construct pop songs of a certain complexity with numerous elements and variations that make the songs appealing even after several listens.
Noteworthy are "Price of Gas" and "Luno" before closing (well) with "Compliments".

Therefore, it is a valuable debut that does not disappoint expectations. It is at once cultured, complex, and fun. It is not yet an album devoid of flaws and naïveté, but Bloc Party is definitely a band to follow with interest in the future.