Bloc Party

“Four” is best described as a midlife crisis.

After rumors of disputes and splits, the British rockers of Bloc Party have attempted to rebuild.

Formed in the shadows of the knock-around East London, the band’s latest album stumbles protesting the youth of first album “Silent Alarm,” the social-norm protest rockouts of its sophomore sounds and the affectionate direction of crowd-displeaser “Intimacy.”

“Four” is a working man’s struggle to remember what he used to fight for.
Frontman Kele Okereke reminds us of his lyrical and vocal prowess.

However, he lacks the passion and anguish we could identify in previous CDs.
“V.A.L.I.S.,” possibly the best track, evokes the old spirit. “Kettling” and “We Are Not Good People” hint at rough edges and chaos.

But “Coliseum,” a misplaced crack at banjo and blues-turned-hard rock, muddles the message.

If Bloc Party takes another break to evaluate its sound, let’s hope it returns as a wizened and weathered old man, letting go of its past and failed sounds.

By Rachel Stuart