The Nextwave Sessions [EP]
by Bloc Party
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. PopMatters
    Aug 13, 2013
    70
    As it should, The Nextwave Sessions delivers on the mentality of quality over quantity. The EP offers five respectable new songs from the British indie rockers.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 12, 2013
    70
    The Nextwave Sessions EP careers wildly between moods and atmospheres, and sounds like a band happy to let go and experiment because they’re comfortable with who they are.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 8, 2013
    70
    The Nextwave Sessions is five tracks from a band who’ve etched their mark on the UK music scene, stretching their sound whilst still occasionally snapping back to what made them so appealing eight years ago.
  5. Alternative Press
    Aug 8, 2013
    70
    The Nextwave Sessions lacks the pure aggression of Four’s best moments, but that’s not a slight; this release just showcases yet another side of the U.K.’s most interesting post-punk band.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Aug 13, 2013
    67
    Bloc Party is once again on hiatus after an uneven tease of strength, a few dance-ready tracks, and a bit of dreamier material made for summer nighttime driving with the windows down.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 19, 2013
    60
    The only failure is the routine indie chugger "Children of the Future".
  8. Pitchfork
    Aug 8, 2013
    52
    By default, Nextwave is less scattered and more consistent: It’s only five songs. But “Ratchet” indicates that Bloc Party could’ve gone way further off the grid if they gave themselves enough time.
  9. Slant Magazine
    Aug 15, 2013
    50
    Eight years after their debut, this is still the sound of an adolescent band that, despite its persistence in tackling adult topics, hasn't yet found a way of approaching them in an adult manner.
  10. Consequence
    Aug 8, 2013
    50
    If you’ve been waiting for Bloc Party to branch out, expect The Nextwave Sessions to disappoint. Most reductively and most accurately, The Nextwave Sessions are merely five more Bloc Party songs.
  11. Pretty Much Amazing
    Aug 15, 2013
    42
    It’s characterised by the same confused nature that marred much of their last LP--hurtling from one style to the other but mostly falling short of what they’ve previously achieved.
  12. The Fly (UK)
    Aug 12, 2013
    40
    The five songs here are awkward bedfellows.
  13. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 8, 2013
    40
    ‘Ratchet’ sets a fairly hedonistic tone, only for things to immediately lock down.... It all makes for an intriguing opening, two sides of Bloc Party on display in addition to their strengths and weaknesses. How curious, then, that the Nextwave Sessions immediately switches the focus to that Sessions bit, ushering in a strangely repetitive run of glorified demos.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. OsianLewis
    Sep 10, 2013
    6
    http://osianlewis.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/bloc-party-next-wave-sessions-review.html

    ' A song about inspiring future generations sounds a bit    http://osianlewis.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/bloc-party-next-wave-sessions-review.html

    ' A song about inspiring future generations sounds a bit premature for a band who are barely in their thirties. I hope this isn't a hint that this is a hiatus they're not coming back from. 'The Next Wave Sessions EP' is a mediocre showing from a band that are capable of great heights as they have proven many times before. 6/10'    … Full Review »
  2. WadeVS
    Aug 28, 2013
    8
    With most critics saying that there is nothing new to hear here, The Nextwave Sessions is remarkably well rounded for an EP and referencesWith most critics saying that there is nothing new to hear here, The Nextwave Sessions is remarkably well rounded for an EP and references much of what the band are good at. Admittedly there is no hardcore experimentation Four-style here. But there is a bit of everything else. 'Ratchet' is upbeat and clubby, 'Obscene' is a tender, synthy moment, 'French Exit' has a Silent Alarm feel to it with lyrics that would have fit well on Intimacy, 'Montreal' sounds like a sequel to 'Compliments' and 'Children Are The Future', whilst having admittedly corny lyrics, has such an upbeat vibe that you don't mind. It also perfectly rounds out the EP. This feels like more of an album than an EP. It's a solid offering from the band.… Full Review »
  3. Chris_A
    Aug 19, 2013
    9
    Generally very good songs, with the exception of children of the future which is average. Ratchet is a fantastic song with a great beat to it,Generally very good songs, with the exception of children of the future which is average. Ratchet is a fantastic song with a great beat to it, something the rest of the album struggles to beat. There are mood swings between songs with some songs upbeat and others a bit dreary.… Full Review »
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