Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke describes band’s new album as ‘extreme and diverse’

Singer also says he currently has 15 songs lined up for their fifth studio effort

Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke has described the band’s forthcoming fifth album as “quite extreme” and “diverse”.

The LP is the band’s first since the departure of bassist Gordon Moakes and drummer Matt Tong in the last two years.

Okereke told news.com.au: “The range of the songs is quite extreme and quite diverse. In terms of an overall aesthetic, it definitely feels like we’ve moved into a different place in terms of recording and arranging. It’s us but it feels like it’s us in a way that we haven’t ever been before.”

NMEAndy Willsher/NME
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He added: “It’s been very interesting watching Russell [Lissack] play the guitar, he’s using his instrument in a way I’ve never seen anyone use it. He’s always had a mind for effects and gadgets and whatnot, but with this record he’s taking his playing off the fretboard and it’s something else. I’m excited to get in front of people. When we go in and listen to the new songs they feel like they’re coming from a different place. That’s a good feeling to have.”

The frontman remained tight lipped about the new band members that have come in but they are expected to appear with the band for the first time with the new line-up in LA on August 22 and 23.

Okereke added: “That’s the amazing thing about working with (new) musicians, everybody expresses themselves in a completely different way. No two drummers or no two guitarists play in the same way. It’d be nice to maybe give some of our back catalogue a different feel, so the other musicians feel like they’re part of the process rather than just hired hands.”

He also said he is unsure when the album will finally come out but they currently have 15 songs to choose from.

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