The British post-punk band Editors have always been a personal favorite of mine. They came to prominence during the 00’s post-punk revival scene with bands like Bloc Party and Interpol. They have managed to keep releasing albums and touring over the past decade.
“All Sparks” is one of the best tracks from the band’s catalog. It features a prominent guitar riff and danceable drumbeat that is furtherly heightened by Tom Smith’s baritone vocals. Check it out.
Whenever Mount Kimbie and King Krule get together, they produce some of the most intriguing and dynamic songs that instantly have you wanting more. The latest collaboration is “Blue Train Lines,” a post-punk track that has King Krule belting his heart out in his familiar gravelly voice. Check it out.
Algiers has an uncanny knack for blending many different musical genres to create a splendid sound. The band’s new album “The Underside of Power” was released on Jun. 23 and the title track is a mix of post-punk and soul. Check it out.
When I first heard Bloc Party’s third studio album “Intimacy” many years ago, I was not impressed and agreed with the critics mixed reception of the band. I wanted the band to continue their post-punk sound and was turned off by the electronic direction they ventured into. I listened to the album once and didn’t return to it till a few years later, and after really listening to it, I must say it is one of their best albums.
“Intimacy” has vocalist/rhythm guitarist Kele Okereke stretching his vocal range that wasn’t apparent on the band’s previous records. Kele’s volumnious voice matches perfectly on the electronic and synth-heavy tracks ‘Mercury’ and ‘One Month Off’. Russel Lissack’s guitar is still paramount on many tracks and even drives it along, especially on the scatterbrain sound of ‘Trojan Horse,’ which has become one of my favorite tracks off the record. ‘Zephyrus’ has a more ethereal sound with its loop of Kele’s and a choir’s harmonious vocals. It is a surprising track on the album that really throws you off and hooks you in.
This album has many standout tracks on it including ‘Better Than Heaven’ with its more somber sound and drum loop. Kele sings about a relationship that has undergone a change for the worse. Russel’s quick-fingered guitar riff pops out constantly throughout the track.
It took me several repeats of listening to “Intimacy” before I became a fan of the record. The electronic sound works very well in the band’s favor and even allows them to branch out into uncharted waters. The album was a risk by the band, but a much-needed one to prove to fans (including me) that they are not defined by a specific sound or genre. The album is a representation of the band’s need to grow and expand their musical horizons and not remain stagnant. I can now say that I am glad they decided to risk their sound and produce such a stellar record that I return to over and over again.
When Bloc Party came out with their debut album Silent Alarm back in 2005, the band literally changed my life. Not only was the album absolutely incredible, but also it was the first time that I saw a black man (someone that looked like me) performing and creating memorable songs in the predominately white indie rock/post-punk sphere. Kele Okereke became a hero of mine and made it my job to always stay aware of whatever he and the band were doing ever since. He and several other musicians inspired me to create my own music and to never stick to one specific sound.
“Tulips” is one of my favorite tracks from Bloc Party. The remix version by Minotaur Shock is phenomenal with its downbeat and atmospheric sound. Kele’s voice comes off as almost haunting in its subdued delivery. Check it out.
The continuous gloomy and rainy weather has put me into a post-punk mood. I have been listening to Bloc Party and The Twilight Sad hour after hour. I finally got a chance to check out Italian post-punk band Soviet Soviet who have been in the news recently due to Trump’s travel ban. The band’s music is reminiscent of 80’s post-punk mixed with shoegaze.
“Further” is an aggressive and heavy song that instantly floors you with its driving sound. Check it out.
There have been a lot of recent post-punk bands that have been releasing good music. Preoccupations, formerly known as Viet Cong, is one of them. The band has an abrasive but also melodic sound that grabbed my attention.
One of my favorite tracks from the band is “Silhouettes” off of their first album. The song features intricate guitars that propel the song along at a frantic speed. Check it out.
