Bloc Party (Photo Credit: Rachael Wright)

Bloc Party comes to you via Echostage on Thursday, May 19th, touring with a new album, a new line-up and a new sound. The sound is quieter and personal, that according to Kele Okereke, “I wanted to make something more sensual, that took you in and hugged you”.

Hymns, Bloc Party’s fifth album, is indeed a departure from the rough and ready rock anthems they’ve put out over the course of their 16-year career.

Bloc Party started in London in 1999 and comprises Kele Okereke (vocals, guitar), Russell Lissack (guitar), Justin Harris (bass) and Louise Bartle (drums). After their last album, Four, released in 2013, they took a two-year break. Two band members left and Justin and Louise joined the founders, Kele and Russell.

Although, I haven’t listened to the full album, the songs I have listened to in Hymns are an interesting experiment that explores themes of grace and spirituality.

“Virtue” (which I will call the video with the ‘Smurfs’), takes listeners down a path “back to ruin”.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0TZt8NvGD0]

“The Love Within” explores the influence of religion on Kele’s songwriting. One influence for the song was Stevie Wonder, who said “…the nature of religion wasn’t about god, or allah, it’s about handing yourself over and making space for the divine.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta2g5AcA4aU]

Of course, Bloc Party should also be ready to play their classic songs, like “Banquet” and “Helicopter” from Silent Alarm.

Get your tickets now!

Bloc Party
w/ The Vaccines, Oscar
Echostage
Thursday, May 19
Doors @ 7:00pm
$35
All ages