The new album from London based four-piece Bloc Party comes courtesy of digital download first before its physical release planned for later this year. The complete set promises extra tracks as well as other exclusive material from the band and on the basis of their songs already available from it will be a wait worth completing.

The group’s third full album (fourth if counting the re-mix EP) comes off the back of mixed reviews for previous work ‘A Weekend In The City’ which in turn followed the bands more favoured debut and heralding received after ‘Silent Alarm’ brought Bloc Party to the forefront of the guitar driven band revival having been sparked by The Strokes and which was carried on this side of the Atlantic by Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs et al.

But where their last album lacked in punch and venom, especially during latter tracks, ‘Intimacy’ hits your eardrums hard and straight from the start. Opening gambit ‘Ares’ is synth heavy, drum heavy and brilliantly produced with vocals appearing to come from all directions. A change in sound for the band but one all together brilliantly executed and specifically performed with a new found confidence from Kele Okereke in his own vocal attributes, ability and unique style. This high velocity runs straight through onto second track and current single ‘Mercury.’ Sampled vocal hooks from the start, it runs over a hip-hop drum beat to be completed with strings and more synth lines. A complex dance track that, before the full albums release, split many Bloc Party fans concerned over their clear change of direction.

As with the overall feel of this album, the guitar driven lines of ‘Silent Alarm’ have been phased out, further lead the band towards the techno-dance genre that was previewed with their previous single ‘Flux.’ New track ‘Halo’ brings back memories of ‘Helicopter’ and ‘Like Eating Glass’ while ‘Biko’ holds its influences and likeness away from the groups old distinctive sound and more in tune with acts like The Faint or The Knife. The slower songs on the album still produce intrigue where previously they went astray. It’s the quality of producing and experimentalism that holds the power and longevity of this album after first listen. Every song excels with its hooks, samples and high points distinctly well within what are startlingly complex tracks.

‘Trojan Horse’ and ‘One Month Off’ are both fast paced delights with strong bass lines to tease in addition to the usual lyrical sensitivity that has been so long associated with the group and Okereke in particular. Choirs and chants give ‘Zephyrus’ an unusually gothic twinge to an already complex collection whereas slow burner ‘Ion Square’ completes the album with Bloc Party’s signature delayed guitars, swirling pads and complex drumming that was used to such effect on early single ‘So Here We Are.’

Bloc Party have not just flirted with a new sound but committed their vows and enjoyed their first night together. Detractions will come from purists of their guitar driven first album and demos but ‘Intimacy’ shows a real growth towards a unique sound for the group and a genre they alone can define.