Kele :: The Boxer

Who’s ready for a dirty, sweaty album that will make you feel like you’ve been rubbing up on strangers in a dark club? Me! And you will get that in Kele’s The Boxer.

If you’re not familiar with Kele Okereke, you should be. This is his debut solo album, an endeavor he decided to take on as frontman of Indie band, Bloc Party. The band (rumored to come together later this year after a short hiatus, according to NME Magazine) has elements of dance but has more of a rock feel to it and is known for quick guitar strumming and fast beats. Okereke takes the listener on a very different journey than he did with his band with The Boxer.

The second track off the album is “On The Lam” and it is the perfect example of the difference in any of Bloc Party’s work and this album because the track is heavy on deep dance beats. Sampling and cutting are featured in the verses but the chorus become this thick-toned beast with synths galore and a beat that doesn’t quit!

“Tenderoni” immediately follows and is transitioned into smoothly with those deep synths. This is the album’s first single and a perfect song to pick to represent the album as a whole for those who haven’t heard the whole thing yet. Okereke’s voice is prominent and the dance beat is in-your-face. Yet another track that over floods your ears yet makes you want to move!

In a change of pace and perhaps to satisfy that indie rock urge, a couple of tracks on The Boxer actually feature of bit of that rock flavor. “Unholy Thoughts” and “On the Other Side” both feature those Bloc Party-esque guitars, the former being more prominent. The beats are still there but it’s nice to hear some guitars to mix it up a bit. In “Unholy Thoughts,” Okereke’s ghostly chorus draws the listener in, especially with the harmonious and melodious guitars.

Bloc Party does have those elements of dance but The Boxer is the true definition of a solo debut. I am usually not a fan of when people who are in bands go solo and it sounds exactly like the band, so I was pleasantly surprised with Kele’s debut. With heavy beats and sampling, Okereke obviously wants you to dance your ass off!

Bonus Highlight: “Rise”