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
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  1. PopMatters
    Apr 29, 2022
    80
    Alpha Games shows a great band engaging with their sound yet growing and expanding.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Apr 28, 2022
    80
    Guitarist Russell Lissack counters the intoxicating synthetics with some of his most powerful work yet. ... Elemental. [May 2022, p.80]
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  3. Clash Music
    Apr 28, 2022
    80
    ‘Alpha Games’ is an exciting return with addictive hooks and array of infectious album stand outs.
  5. Spin
    Apr 28, 2022
    80
    Alpha Games is a reconfiguration of sorts. It’s not imitating the earlier works in Bloc Party’s catalog so much as it is building from them. Produced by Adam Greenspan and Nick Launay (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Cave), their latest creation is an exceptional addition to their arsenal.
  6. AllMusic
    Apr 29, 2022
    70
    As uneven as the album can be, it's never a simple rehash of Bloc Party's glory days. Adam Greenspan and Nick Launay's tight production gives Alpha Games a leaner attack than Silent Alarm, and while the moments of beauty that balance the band's outbursts are in shorter supply, they're all the sweeter when they appear.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Apr 28, 2022
    70
    At times, Alpha Games does hark back to the glorious early days of Bloc Party, and while this doesn’t quite measure up to Silent Alarm, there’s enough evidence that the band’s line-up changes have reinvigorated them.

User Reviews

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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 »
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