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Yes, they most certainly do, if first single 'The Prayer' is anything to go by. Like all the best Bloc Party tracks, Matt Tong's drums provide a pounding heartbeat, while the tribal, chanting backing vocals add a sense of claustrophobia and more of that 'positive tension' that embues the band with that sit-up-and-listen sense of urgency. They ought to bottle the stuff and sell it.

Lyrically, 'The Prayer' embodies 'A Weekend In The City's' central theme. 'Standing on the packed dancefloor', frontman Kele makes an appeal to the heavens that'll no doubt touch a nerve with many shoe-gazing wallflowers out there. 'Lord give me grace, and dancing feet, and the power to impress', he pleads, 'Tonight, make me unstoppable'.

While each verse is a bundle of nerves, the chorus is a different beast altogether. As the synths are unleased, the song is transformed into something anthemic and uplifting - suddenly the cagey paranoia is tossed aside and Kele and co. are kings of their local indie disco. Clearly, someone up there is listening.

Released: January 29th

(Ricky B)

And if you think the single is a joyful thing, you should read the Bloc Party ChartBlog Interview...