Bloc Party – Intimacy

Bloc Party’s third album titled “Intimacy” was released online today ( 21st August, 2008 ) following a growing trend of a number acts (Radiohead, NIN, Raconteures, Girl Talk, etc).

The single “Mercury” took a large leap away from the indie rock sounds of first album Silent Alarm and fell into an experimental electronic heap. The first track seems to follow this trend, but by the third track “Halo”, Bloc Party seem to have settled back into their roots. Unfortunately this doesn’t last long, as electronic sounds start creeping back into a larger part of the mix. This continues throughout the album, with small parts grabbing at your memory and your wonder of what could have been.

Some of the new sounds of Bloc Party are indeed good. Songs like “One Month Off” and “Biko” make you understand where they wanted to head, but somehow never fully arrived. Fans wanting more of Silent Alarm will be mostly disappointed, while fans of Another Weekend In The City will be stretched. Suggested by its title, this promise of Intimacy with the beautiful Bloc Party is there, but at the end of it all, you find yourself with its ugly, coked up cousin.

Highlights include: Halo, Signs and Ion Square.

MP3: “Halo” – Bloc Party

Ratatat – LP3

Consisting of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast, this New York duo combines synthesizers, guitars, bass, and some of the best beats in a long time. It really must be heard to understand the amazing sounds these guys put out. Expected to be released on July 8th, 2008, this is the “third” major release by Ratatat.

The first two and a half minutes are eerie, letting the listener get ready for the ride. And it is just that. A ride. Welcome to the awesome hip-hop infused electro-rock sounds of Ratatat. Leaping from one hook to the next, this group seems to have an endless supply of catchy tunes, with sounds you wish you thought of. You can easily stick this album on repeat, as the songs have no vocals to get caught up in. Its purely the music. Its hard to single out the best parts of the album, as all the songs interweave and are all excellent. Sticking seemingly unrelated genres in the middle of their trademark sound somehow works. Mi Viejo is a perfect example of this, as Latin influences penetrate the otherwise alternative sound. LP3 is little different to their previous albums, self titled “Ratatat” and “Classics”, but somehow feels more whole. This album is fun, enjoyable and very easy to listen to. Definitely one to get.

Highlights include: Falcon Jab, Mirando and Dura.

MP3: “Mirando” – Ratatat