"Four" is the fourth studio album by British indie rock band Bloc Party. It was released on August 20, 2012 under the Frenchkiss Records label. The album was named "Four," representing both the fact it was the group’s fourth album and also referencing the band's original four members.
Bloc Party started recording "Four” after a hiatus that lasted a couple of years. During this period, the members had separated to work on individual projects. The album represents a return to their original raw sound, shifting away from the electronica of their previous album, "Intimacy".
Produced by Alex Newport, popularly known for his work with At The Drive-In and The Mars Volta, "Four" spanned a couple of successful singles, including "Octopus", "Truth", "Kettling", and "So He Begins to Lie." The album peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart and 36 on the U.S. Billboard 200, accentuating the band’s sustained reputation as one of the key players in the indie rock scene. The album received positive reviews from critics, who noted the band's return to form in terms of sound and style.
The darker themes of the album encapsulate mental health issues and social complications. In contrast, the music itself is invigorating and electric, showcasing the band's ability to incite emotion by leveraging their unique musical style. "Four" maintains an amalgamation of punk, pop, and progressive rock, consistent with the band’s diverse musical influences.
