Alpha Games, released in 2022, is Bloc Party's sixth studio album, bringing the band back to their post-punk roots while incorporating fresh, aggressive elements. Produced by Nick Launay and Adam Greenspan, known for their work with Nick Cave and IDLES, the album is filled with sharp guitar riffs, heavy basslines, and intense drumming that harks back to Bloc Party's earlier, more frenetic sound. Thematically, Alpha Games dives into themes of competition, survival, and the darker side of human nature, often portraying an urban landscape filled with rivalry and ambition.

Songs like "Traps" and "The Girls Are Fighting" showcase the band’s return to a high-energy, guitar-driven approach, with urgent vocals and edgy lyrics capturing scenes of tension and confrontation. In contrast, tracks like "If We Get Caught" offer a more introspective, emotionally charged atmosphere, displaying the band's range. Kele Okereke’s lyrics are direct and visceral, reflecting the pressures and intensity of modern life.

Alpha Games was praised for recapturing the rawness and vigor of Bloc Party's earlier work while adding layers of grit and maturity, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners seeking powerful, high-octane rock. The album's dark and combative tone marks it as a standout in their discography, with a unique blend of post-punk revival and contemporary alternative rock sensibilities.

Tracklist:

Side A:
A1. Day Drinker
A2. Traps
A3. You Should Know The Truth
A4. Callum Is A Snake
A5. Rough Justice
A6. The Girls Are Fighting

Side B:
B1. Of Things Yet to Come
B2. Sex Magik
B3. By Any Means Necessary
B4. In Situ
B5. If We Get Caught
B6. The Peace Offering