English indie-rock band Bloc Party is back after four years with studio album “Anatomy Of A Brief Romance.” Fans were ecstatic at the idea of Bloc Party returning. Unfortunately, their newest album was slightly disappointing.

The album revolves around Kele Okereke, frontman and guitarist of the band and a man Okereke fell in love with. Similarly to Olivia Rodrigo’s “You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love,” the album tells a tale about the progression through the stages of the relationship. In other words, Okereke writes about witnessing the honeymoon phase develop into the harsh reality of heartbreak. The main issue with this album lies with Okereke still trying to write lyrics like the 20-year-old he was in the peak of his career. The lyrics no longer seem punk and cutting-edge, just cringe and outdated. Unfortunately, the painfully ‘on-the-nose’ lyricism does take away from the actual music. Bloc Party was recognized as having incredible lyrics in the past, so it is especially difficult for fans to grasp that they are not the band they once were when they hear the lines “every day is such a vibe” or “drip, drip, drip, goes the bleeding of my heart.”

After listening to “Anatomy Of A Brief Romance” about six times now to give a proper review, the songs do start to grow on you. It is probably not a great sign that the album took six listens to begin to enjoy it, but the point still stands. The track “Pigwig” especially becomes tolerable. This was the single released to promote “Anatomy Of A Brief Romance,” and audiences certainly had a lot of negative things to say about it. “Pigwig” specifically seems like it has hints of their 2005 hit “Banquet” coming through with the signature Bloc Party jumping guitar riffs. The main issue? “Pigwig” is a bit corny, especially for Bloc Party. “Love Bombs” has a catchy guitar chorus that cuts in and out using electronic programs. “Eulogy” was actually a breath of fresh air as it has a good sound with semi decent lyrics. “Eulogy” seems fairly reminiscent of Gorillaz’s “The Mountain.” It is a very unique use of melodic EDM, and easily a favorite track off of the album. While the tracks eventually sounds decent after a few listens, the initial listen is like being a kid discovering GarageBand for the first time, which would most likely push audiences away. 

To clarify, “Anatomy Of A Brief Romance” is not terrible. If anything, it is probably just a let down to fans of the band. Anyone who listens to this album with no prior knowledge or expectations is more likely to enjoy it. “Anatomy Of A Brief Romance” could be considered a ‘hard-sell’ to people, however other reviewers seem to think highly of the album. It is all about personal taste at the end of the day. Even so, one cannot help but feel bad for Bloc Party. It is easy to see that the now grown adults are trying to relive the nostalgia of being the young, post-punk, British sensation they once were.