The Nextwave Sessions [EP]
by Bloc Party
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

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  1. 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 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 itWith 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.… Expand
  2. 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, something the rest of the album struggles to beat. There are mood swings between songs with some songs upbeat and others a bit dreary.
  3. Ricko
    Sep 2, 2014
    7
    I think the band were right not to include any of the material from "The Nextwave Sessions" on "4". While the bands most disappointing release to date, "4" is still well worth getting a hold of. The material on this EP "The Nextwave Sessions" would for the most part struggle to get onto this album. Opener "Ratchet" is reminiscent of the bands third album "Intimacy" and would probably fitI think the band were right not to include any of the material from "The Nextwave Sessions" on "4". While the bands most disappointing release to date, "4" is still well worth getting a hold of. The material on this EP "The Nextwave Sessions" would for the most part struggle to get onto this album. Opener "Ratchet" is reminiscent of the bands third album "Intimacy" and would probably fit in somewhere there. "Obscene" trudges along without going anywhere in particular. "French Exit" is another good Bloc Party tune and sounds like something left behind from "Silent Alarm". This along with "Ratchet" would make a case to appear on past Bloc Party releases but outside of that the rest of this EP is underwhelming by the standards set by the band.… Expand
  4. NightVisions
    Jan 31, 2023
    9
    A Solid set of songs I like all of them and put them on when I need some variety. Here's to hoping that Another Weekend in The City becomes a reality because those b-side songs are better or on par.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 19, 2013
    60
    The only failure is the routine indie chugger "Children of the Future".
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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