Review: Over the last few years, Kele Okereke has balanced his Bloc Party commitments with the pursuit of a solo career. Previously, that has largely meant exploring his love of house and techno via releases on Crosstown Rebels. For debut album Fatherland, he's decided to flip the script, partnering up with Freaks man Justin Harris to deliver a set of beautiful and musically rich songs smothered in strings, acoustic instrumentation and, most notably, the distinctive sound of British brass band music. For the most part it's a delicate and picturesque affair, albeit one that occasionally tips a wink towards gospel, soul, Rotary Connection and "Sgt Pepper"-era Beatles. In other words, it's a very mature and grown-up proposition, full of introspective songs beautifully delivered by Okereke.
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