Suffice it to say I was a bit floored to learn that Kele Okereke of Bloc Party wasn’t as stoked on their worldwide acclaimed debut Silent Alarm as the rest of us because the drums were mixed too loud. In 2005, that was a top five favorite album for most everyone I knew. But, time moves on and so do most musicians (we hope), and earlier this summer, Kele and the mates took a break from Bloc Party and he went solo with a full-length release, The Boxer.
The new tracks are a definite departure from what Kele has done in the past, so don’t looking for more of the same kiddies—with the exception of the singer’s honey drenched, seductive vocals. The first floor filler of the bunch is “Tenderoni,” which zaps you with laser precision and hooks that will pull you up from the short hairs. (Note: no reference to the Chromeo track of the same name).
Comprised of child-like, twinkling charm, “Rise” feels like a Pied Piper anthem, rallying the masses to join together to take on the wars and horrors of the world…while doing a mean spin and dive on the dance floor. “You are stronger than you think!”
“Unholy Thoughts” bounces with a bass-hungry simplicity, but hits on some contemplative ideas of the mind and soul. Along those lyrical lines is “New Rules,” which may give some insight as to where Kele was during the process of creating The Boxer.
Does It Offend You Yeah join Kele for some dates on this tour, including the Denver show at The Summit Music Hall (venue revamped from the gangsta spot Bash…lookin’ cool on 19th & Blake) on Tuesday, September 14, along with Innerparty and Mike Deez. Doors are at 7pm.
DIOYY, one of our favorite dance bands that have received a good dose of coverage from Kaffeine Buzz in the past, is currently working on a new album, Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You, set for release in 2011 in the U.S. (I believe it’s being released in the U.K. later this year).
You know what that means…the band (who have since lost keyboardist/guitarist Morgan Quaintance who has gone on to another project, and gained Chloe Duveaux and Matty Derham) may be testing out new tracks on our hungry ears.
We love that.
Kele – The Boxer – Tour Dates (* – with DIOYY):
September
14 – Summit Music Hall, Denver CO*
16 – Chop Suey, Seattle WA*
18 – Mezzanine, San Francisco CA*
21 – Music Box, Los Angeles CA*
25 – Parklife @ Parklands, Gold Coast AUS
26 – Parklife @ Wellington Square, Perth AUS
October
02 – Parklife @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne AUS
03 – Parklife @ Kippax Lake, Sydney AUS
04 – Parklife @ Botanic Gardens, Adelaide AUS
November
09 – Den Atelier, Luxembourg LX
12 – Melkweg Small Hall, Amsterdam NL
15 – Institute Library, Birmingham UK
16 – Arches, Glasgow UK
18 – Ritz, Manchester UK
19 – Electric Ballroom, London UK
20 – Motion, Bristol
24 – Mondial Halle, Hamburg DE
25 – Astra, Berlin DE
26 – Conny Island, Leipzig
27 – On 3 Festival, Munich DE
29 – Kulturhaus Karlstorbahnhof/ Saal, Heidelberg DE
30 – des Bürgerhaus Stollwerck, Köln DE
