Alpha Games
by Bloc Party
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 29, 2022
    60
    Alpha Games should please their established fanbase, but Bloc Party still sound strangely ambivalent, trapped between the visceral thrill of lean, modern guitar music and their doubts about its form and function.
  2. Mojo
    Apr 28, 2022
    60
    BP retain a youthful fixation with personal drama, biting lyrics and angular guitars, laced with keyboards. [Jun 2022, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The A.V. Club
    Apr 28, 2022
    58
    Alpha Games is the sound of a band trying to reignite its former flame, while simultaneously digging its heels so deep into unfamiliar territory, it can’t even reach the lighter.
  5. Pitchfork
    May 6, 2022
    52
    The album’s best hooks feature Bartle duetting with Okereke, a new trick in Bloc Party’s repertoire. These strengths are even more frustrating because they reveal an alternative path to the binary rut in which this band has been stuck for 10 years.
  6. Uncut
    Apr 28, 2022
    50
    “Sex Magik” and “If We Get Caught” offer unashamedly lusty visions punctuated by agreeable glimpses of pop glitter. Otherwise, though, waspish, charismatically delivered lyrics are let down by workaday instrumental backing. [Jun 2022, p.25]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Haviebabie44
    Apr 29, 2022
    9
    As catchy and pop-tuned as Silent Alarm, As experimental and a lesson in arrangement as A Weekend In the City, with the same electronicAs catchy and pop-tuned as Silent Alarm, As experimental and a lesson in arrangement as A Weekend In the City, with the same electronic sensibilities seen on Intimacy save the emotional turmoil. Sounds like Bloc Party finding their groove, with the same snarky and punchy delivery as I’ve grown accustomed to over the last few years. The new additions shine through, Louise’s vocals are indeed infectious. The only band I’ve heard that can all be simultaneously jamming different riffs out and sound completely be in sync it seems is astonishing and not lost on this record. I’ve got to say that this is my second most favorite album behind Silent Alarm now. It wasn’t anything more or less than what I’ve been wanting/needing from my favorite artists of all time.… Full Review »
  2. zvenero1
    May 2, 2022
    9
    Dynamic and energetic with moments harking back to songs of their earlier catalog while also exploring new territory.
  3. Duke_Challenger
    Apr 29, 2022
    6
    Certainly a better album than Hymns, but only has a few really good songs. The rest are okay, but nothing special. For reference, I lovedCertainly a better album than Hymns, but only has a few really good songs. The rest are okay, but nothing special. For reference, I loved everything between Silent Alarm and The Nextwave Sessions.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »