Multiple albums in, rock band Bloc Party continue to redefine their sound – and have successfully done so after their previous album Alpha Games.
Bloc Party is an absolute staple in the indie-rock + alternative genres – their debut album Silent Alarm features some well-known tracks like “Helicopter,” “Banquet” and “This Modern Love.” They kept the momentum going with their next two albums A Weekend in the City and Intimacy, as each album serves as a way to discuss different topics, whether it be social issues or personal endurances. Their fourth album Four marked the last album that featured the original lineup of Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong – cue the sound experimentation.
In 2016, Bloc Party (now a trio band after the departure of Moakes and Tong, and the addition of Justin Harris) released their fifth album Hymns, which was surprisingly different from the alternative sound they have created for themselves. There were more elements of electronica and synth than in their last two albums, which proved to be a hit or miss for fans alike. Despite the awkward feeling due to lyrical content, they redeemed themselves with their sixth album Alpha Games (2022), which includes newest member Louise Bartle, an absolute killer on the drums. Featuring more catchy tracks that observe our current society such as “In Situ” and “Rough Justice,” Bloc Party is slowly redefining their sound for the better and adjusting as needed – The High Life proves just that.
The High Life era started after the band embarked on a UK/IE and North American tour with Paramore, where the band served as an opener. Blue tones shined the stage as Okereke stated that new music was on the way, and even played the official opening title track and a teaser track at most of the dates. The EP was officially released on July 21st and contained 4 songs – each one sounding different from the last, as well as including a featuring act for the first time. At first glance, it may seem like just another set of songs, but it all feels interconnected through nostalgia. Rather than completely retreading their Silent Alarm sound, each track has a subtle nod to their previous works (such as the drum crescendo in “Blue” resembling that to “This Modern Love”) and embracing the substance-over-style notion once again.
Leading single/title track “The High Life” is an energetic pop tune, perfectly made in time for the Summer of 2023. With lyrics that resemble different plans and an uplifting guitar riff, it successfully represents the feeling the highs in life, making it feel more celebratory than anything. The EP slowly dives deep into the next track “Keep It Rolling,” which is sonically different and contains a feature from KennyHoopla. Serving as the hardcore alternative track of the EP, “Keep It Rolling” blends the signature sound that both acts are known for, creating the strongest dynamic on the EP. The third song “Blue” once again changes course (sorry for the whiplash) and serves an intimate acoustic-like love song that treads new waters. Bloc Party is no stranger to the color blue (they have songs titled “Blue Light” and “Blue Moon”), but this is one of the best tracks (musically and lyrically) they’ve released in years due to its romanticized lyrics, choreographed instrumentals, emphasis on different metaphors.
“The Blood Moon” is an interesting closer that eventually fell flat. It also resembles their earlier sound – while the lyrics are clever and tell a fascinating narrative, it doesn’t have anything that makes it stand out. Overall, The High Life EP is definitely a big step up from Hymns and Alpha Games. Okereke continues to provide excellent vocal work and lyrical content, and the addition of Louise Bartle has absolutely made them a worthy contender to achieve rockstar status once again. Bloc Party is no longer finding a way to redefine their earlier sound but are trying to move it past it all, with a fresh new lineup and sound. It’s also safe to say that experimentation is definitely on their side.
Listen To The High Life By Bloc Party On Spotify, YouTube, Or Apple Music.
I'm a full-time music journalist/photographer from Houston, number one Paramore fan and Husky dog owner. I have a B.S in Radio-Television-Film from UT Austin and a M.A in Mass Communications from the University of Houston, which makes me smart! On top of being an avid concert-goer and movie fanatic, I love bonding with others over the power of local music and media.
