Bloc Party - Anatomy of a Brief Romance [Indie Exclusive]

Bloc Party have made plenty of records about nights out and the mornings after. Anatomy of a Brief Romance is something different: a narrative album that traces a single year-long relationship from first spark to final fallout, in intimate and often brutal detail.

The band made it with legendary producer Trevor Horn, whose ear for drama and polish gives Kele Okereke's storytelling a widescreen frame. Fourteen songs move through the relationship in order, from the date-stamped opener "22.01.22" through the rush of "Coming On Strong" and "Love Bombs" to the sting of "Worst Birthday Ever," "Now We Can't Be Friends," and the aptly named closer "Eulogy." The guitars still cut and the rhythm section still drives, but the emotional arc is the real engine here.

The album follows the busiest touring stretch the band has had in two decades, including dates alongside Paramore and a sold-out headline show at Crystal Palace Park. It arrives with Bloc Party sounding more confident and more personal than they have in years.

This indie store exclusive edition is pressed on red vinyl and includes a printed inner sleeve. Available only at independent record stores.