Alpha Games
by Bloc Party
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
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  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 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 areAs 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.… Expand
  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. mortoandriggs
    Apr 29, 2022
    8
    i don’t think they’ll ever reach anything like silent alarms or even hymns ever again, i’m talking mainstream recognition. but i do think this album holds up but i don’t think mainstream will ever recognize this album. being someone who grew up listening to them it kind of makes me sad, but overall a good album
  4. Ricko
    Aug 18, 2022
    7
    I have to admit that after 2016's "Hymns" I threw in the towel as far as Bloc Party were concerned. It was brutal and it seemed that they agreed as the band more or less disappeared in the years since bar a "Silent Alarm" anniversary tour. I'm happy to report that I wrote them off too early and they have somewhat surprisingly managed to make another solid album. "Alpha Games" doesn't reachI have to admit that after 2016's "Hymns" I threw in the towel as far as Bloc Party were concerned. It was brutal and it seemed that they agreed as the band more or less disappeared in the years since bar a "Silent Alarm" anniversary tour. I'm happy to report that I wrote them off too early and they have somewhat surprisingly managed to make another solid album. "Alpha Games" doesn't reach the heights of their best work but it is a decent derivation of it. It comes closest to their "A Weekend in the City" album. It is a throwback and feels a little forced but I have enjoyed listening to it and it does have its merits. "Alpha Games" has brought me back on board the Bloc Party ship.… Expand
  5. Lpdobbin
    May 16, 2022
    7
    Found out about this album the other day while listening to there earlier tunes, and what a treat.
    Overall a decent addition to there discography. Stand out tricks from this album are situ (classic bloc party sound), if we get caught and traps the rest. The rest are kinda mundane and don't have much of a replay factor, however the few songs I like make up for the listen. I'm still getting    Found out about this album the other day while listening to there earlier tunes, and what a treat.
    Overall a decent addition to there discography. Stand out tricks from this album are situ (classic bloc party sound), if we get caught and traps the rest. The rest are kinda mundane and don't have much of a replay factor, however the few songs I like make up for the listen. I'm still getting over the fact they list two key members Matt and Gordon but the show must go on and I think the new members are finding there rythem not there yet but promising    … Expand
  6. NightVisions
    Jan 31, 2023
    8
    I really like this album. I think the band really played to their strengths here and it really shows as an album with a lot of care put into it. Louise's backing vocals on "If We Get Caught" is really neat and I'm excited for more songs in the future to feature this kind of sound. I also like all 3 of the deluxe songs that were added and the creativity in imagery of "The Robot and TheI really like this album. I think the band really played to their strengths here and it really shows as an album with a lot of care put into it. Louise's backing vocals on "If We Get Caught" is really neat and I'm excited for more songs in the future to feature this kind of sound. I also like all 3 of the deluxe songs that were added and the creativity in imagery of "The Robot and The Psychonaut" was fun to think about and sing.

    "Day Drinker" I think is the par that this album and it's a good par to set.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. PopMatters
    Apr 29, 2022
    80
    Alpha Games shows a great band engaging with their sound yet growing and expanding.
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