Bloc Party - Talons

Bloc Party have always been an unpredictable band; they changed direction drastically for their second album 'A Weekend In The City', rush-released their third, 'Intimacy', in a spontaneous manner that other groups could take notice of, and they aren't afraid to try new things with their singles - like the juttering synth-pop of Flux or the horn-heavy Mercury, which left fans divided.

'Talons' is an amalgamation of the BP's many different sounds to date - a song that engulfs parts of all their back catalogue and as such, should sound like a total mess, but somehow it works.

Xylophones twinkle and Kele pours out his heart in the vocals and lyrics - contrasting with split guitars (sometimes jagged and harsh, other times chiming like classic U2), bass that rumbles with menace and hard drums that sound programmed. It's exciting, experimental and emotional - basically Bloc Party doing what they do best.