Bloc Party, The Prayer

Bloc Party return in good form with this yearning and insistent track in which singer Kele Okereke asks, "Is it so wrong to crave recognition?" worrying that his ambition to be heard is a violation of his artistic integrity, something with which anyone who's seen him interviewed or performing on stage will know that he has struggled since the band shot to fame with their debut album nearly 2 years ago. This song is classic Bloc Party, instantly recognisable, but somehow more sophisticated as the slow pace tricks you at first before you're assaulted with the trademark pounding, forceful rhythms from bass and drums which give it almost a drum and bass feel, despite it being a resounding slice of post-punk indie anguish. It's a great introduction to one of the most-awaited albums of 2007.