That's why I adore Kele Okereke. Being the frontman of an internationally highly acclaimed band. Being gay. And not making any fuss whatsoever in his lyrics about that. This man can write songlyrics as universal as it gets. He knows exactly what he expresses, 'cause there really are by far more interesting things than sexual orientation. If I were a professional musician, I'd probably be him ...


It was your hair that did it
It was your hair that lit the fuse
A golden brown halo
Like sunlight peering through trees
I ask you for the time, but I am asking for so much more
A moth to your light bulb, you made my heart beat faster

Paralyze me, with your kiss
Wipe those dirty hands, on me
Maybe we’re looking for the same thing
Maybe you’re the one who will complete me

Oh how beauty burns, lips and eyes and fingertips
The spark of desire on every point our bodies meet
Behind your eyes were stars, infinite and serene
How I would suffer for you, you fascinate and magnetize me

Sometimes I think, I would float away
If this sadness did not weigh me down


("Halo" by Bloc Party)

... "maybe you're the one who will complete me" - in a way, this line is as old-fashioned and torn down as it gets but at the very same time I thought "this is it! that's what life's all about, finding someone who might possibly be the missing link to whatever we're aspiring to as human beings." In particular, I like the "maybe"-aspect and the wink towards the future ("will complete me"). Sorry for being a little Deconstructionist here, but that line is both minimalism per se and enlightenment alike.

Now, I'll get back to my I-pod. Back to "Intimacy" ...

Today I'm like WOW on a regular basis. Been doing almost nothing but listening to Bloc Party's new album. Alright, I admit it: couldn't wait for the official album to come out on Monday so I downloaded all the tracks in advance. Apart from the already released single "Talons" which has been played non-stop on FM4 in recent weeks, there's tons of material worth listening to over and over - and over again. "Talons" is basically a good choice featuring the album, gripping those who haven't heard about Kele, Matt and the other boys. It's pretty loaded, somewhat melodical in between and hits you when you least expect it. Great single. My favorite, however, as far as the first listening sessions is concerned, is the starting track "Halo," which at first sounds somewhat surreal but has a strong motion and great bass. The guitars are played way too fast which grossly pulls you into the track. Bloc Party once again prove that they're the drum 'n bass folks within the Indie Rock scene of Great Britain - hope that makes any sense ;-) "Halo" is fantastic, really core-stuff. Then, there's "Trojan Horse." First of all, how cool is it to entitle a track along these lines? It sounds really scattered and re-puzzled on an accoustic level and has got beautifully minimalised arrangements in the background. Love it a great deal. Then, there's "Zepherus", which at first sounds like Pharell but basically is more folklore and accompanied by relentless bass. I'm pretty sure the Blocs took some advice from Björk in composing that song with all its choir elements and kind of apocalyptic features. It's a gripping one, that much is for sure. Another favourite of mine already, is track #3, one of the calmer, more relaxed songs: "Biko". Kele sings like an angel on LSD and the more the song advances, the more intensive it gets emotionally. It's beautiful. Gripping. True art.

So all in all, it can be said that Bloc Party have definitely become more pop, a little bit more mainstream but they're suprisingly hardcore and edgy at the same time. Of course, they do no longer sound like garage rock or college indie as was the case with "Silent Alarm" but they've developed without losing their basic elements. They just seem to have refined what made them outstanding in the first place. I would even go so far as to pronounce "Intimacy" their opus magnum. I really am of the opinion that with their third album they've found their soul in every respect. I am absolutely certain that they'll greatly satisfy their fan base plus gain millions of new fans. I'd say it's about fucking time to see the boys live. It's about high time ;-)