Bloc Party will soon retreat into the distance for another hiatus, leaving behind a legion of fans and 'The Nextwave Sessions' EP.
Kele Okereke and the gang have profited from such a break before, with solo work and time alone with their thoughts informing 'Four', which landed in August 2012 and reintroduced a few scuzzy slabs of guitar into the mix alongside their reliable brand of social commentary and introspection.
If 'The Nextwave Sessions' is meant as a sign-off, then it will both pleasantly surprise and confound those who have followed the band since the release of 'Silent Alarm' back in 2005. The confusion will begin with the EP's lead-off track, Ratchet, which has been bouncing off the walls of alternative radio stations for a while.
Bloc Party have been danceable at times – in an awkward, post-punk sort of way – but not like this. Okereke rattles through lyrics about getting half cut and fucked up while a hyperactive bassline battles for room with some sequenced guitars, giving the whole thing a furious, fun outlook.
As its thunderous conclusion fades, the EP slinks back into the darkness found on the fringes of the dancefloor. Obscene and Montreal are sombre and atmospheric, with Okereke's reserved delivery floating above skittering beats and snatches of synth. As standalone tracks, both are fine examples of Bloc Party's downbeat side but they're also a heavy push on the brakes in terms of momentum.
French Exit and closer Children Of The Future offer further glimpses of the band in full flow and drive home the point that they're out of here as soon as the final note sounds. They had a blank slate with this release, a chance to leave a note offering vague directions to their next destination, and by and large they seem to be heading somewhere that'll offer them plenty of room to successfully experiment.
If 'The Nextwave Sessions' is goodbye for now, then Bloc Party have ensured that when they poke their heads above the parapet again, there will be plenty of fans left to welcome them back.
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