Album Review: Kele Okereke - Fatherland

What happens when the nose hairs start to grow back from years in the hedonistic wilderness? Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke is finding out on his third solo record.

The chaotic, increasingly dehumanising electronic intensity of much of his recent output finally implodes, giving way to an acoustic and chilled-out man of substance. It's a massive relief that Fatherland barely has an amp plugged in, spreading a picnic blanket under a tree. Becoming a dad this last year, he perhaps predictably presents a lovely offering of fatherly advice, set to a mild gospel stomp in Savannah, Kele admitting, "... You look like your mother but I did not know her so well". By tuning into more earthy tones (similar to Goldfrapp's about-turn from glam-pop on Seventh Tree) he explores his masculinity while sounding vulnerable, explores the anticipation of fatherhood itself in Yemaya, and jauntily woos an on-again/off-again boyfriend by duetting with (Years & Years') Olly Alexander on Grounds For Resentment.

After all the bravura and noise of his last decade, this rebirth has delivered a very modern album about being a grown-up. It's a cosy fit, which does beg the question of where Bloc Party will find themselves next. The calming influence should be a good one.