False Advertising: Bloc Party’s Latest EP
Meghan Vogel
The press release for Bloc Party’s late 2013 EP, The Next Wave Sessions, promised that it “amalgamates the visceral energy of Bloc Party live.”
Which is odd, because I don’t often think of anything this accessible as “visceral.” In fact, dollars to donuts you’re gonna be hearing this at K-Mart soon. And you’ll be sure to hear songs “Montreal” and “Children of the Future” at your next frat house make-out party.
That isn’t to say The Next Wave Sessions is horrendous. I didn’t vomit. But there’s nothing new, avant-garde or interesting about this release. And certainly nothing visceral.
My advice as a crotchety, aging goth is to give yourself a history lesson, kids, by going directly to the original synthwave/depresso rock. Check out anything from the 4AD label’s late-80s to early-90s output.
As a compromise, how about this: you promise to keep partying with the Bloc to a minimum and I’ll temper how much I profess my undying love for “Blue Monday.” Deal? – (3/10)
Meghan Vogel also contributes to Northern California print magazine Savage Henry.