KELE – THE BOXER
Surnames are so passe. Kele (Okereke), Bloc Party front-man, object of many a teen fantasy, man of the moment, has so many creative juices flowing that one band is simply not outlet enough. Heading into the studio in the dark of night (metaphorically speaking), armed with a band of ones and zeros (synthesisers and drum machines), and casting aside his trusty guitar (mainly speaking), Kele went back to basics. working in a way that was new, with no preconceived songs, just an idea “The key for the sound of the record was to take things as harsh and as physical as I could make it. The reason for going there was that these are the sounds that make me the happiest in the world.’ He walked out with The Boxer, a title taken from his other new pursuit, kick boxing. With those unmistakable vocals, and the same dance sensibility that Bloc Party exhibit, The Boxer punches well above its humble beginnings. Much as New Order arose from the ashes of Joy Division Kele breaks loose from a guitar based format to embrace electronic dance floor pop. More importantly, on the slow tempo numbers Kele expands his horizons, the simple New Rules a highlight, while Rise expands itself into an explosion of laser-like synthesisers. Not bad for a guy taking a break from music.
*** 1/2
