3 Track Preview: Kele - 'The Boxer'

As one of many loyal Bloc Party fans out there, i was very skeptical about lead singer Kele Okereke's solo project. With an upcoming album entitled 'The Boxer' under the name Kele I was holding my breath.

Before Bloc Party went on hiatus, tracks such as 'One More Chance' showed a clear dance influence on the band, so it's no surprise that Kele has swayed to a far more dance based style for his upcoming album, he has even 'dropped guitars' on some tracks, leaving a gap for more of a dubstep and drum and bass sound.

Lead single 'Tenderoni' is not just a step away from Bloc Party its a completely different sound, comparisons to Wiley's hit single 'Wearing My Rolex' spring to mind, with it's dark synth bassline. Although the sound has changed, Kele's lyrical style has not, he croons 'Every time we kiss it seems like you’re holding back/Don’t be so quick to pull away' Lyrics like this suited Bloc Party, but for the sound of 'The Boxer' i'm not convinced. Soon enough though, the lyrics fade away into a strong powerful bassline, suitable for any party.

Album opener 'Walk Tall' kick starts with a dubstep beat worthy of any form of 'skanking' you can think of, and signs of Bloc Party's 'Intimacy' track 'Ares' show here, with the to-ing and fro-ing of lyrics coming from Kele in a war-like chant. As the synth heavy bassline begins to growl the sound of indie kids waiting for a new 'Helicopter' can almost be heard sulking back home, as there's nothing here but the beast that Kele has become.

'Signs' from 'Intimacy' was one of my favourite tracks from the album, and i'm pleased to say the glockenspiel is back for 'Rise'. Although a great sound is back from Bloc Party for 'Rise', once again i'm not convinced by Kele's new lyrical direction 'Brothers and sisters, can’t you see you are stronger than you think?' but as soon as it's come in, it's fading away, clearing a path for a dark, intense and incredible drop.

From these 3 tracks, i'd say that 'The Boxer' is definately going to be turning some heads, but also turning away a vast majority hoping for some more Bloc Party. Elements of the tracks do show a brave new direction for Okereke and I do like the songs, but I'm still unconvinced on some aspects of them. But hopefully on June 21 when the album is out, it will all piece together to make something worth listening to.