HYMNS (2016) is the long-awaited fifth studio album by British rock band Bloc Party, and the first to feature bass guitar from new member Justin Harris. (Drummer Louise Bartle joined the band after the drums parts had already been recorded by session musician Alex Thomas). The album, released 29 January 2016, marks the first release from the band since a three-year hiatus and the departure of original members Matt Tong (drums) and Gordon Moakes (bass).
The album’s lead single, “The Love Within”, premiered in October 2015 and features founding member Russell Lissack playing an electric guitar with so many effects on it that it sounds like a synth. The second single, “The Good News”, was released shortly afterwards, and “Virtue” in early 2016 before the album.
Kele wanted the songs to “have the reverence I associate with spiritual or devotional music”.