After the explosive response to Silent Alarm in 2005, Bloc Party became known for hooky songwriting and English charm. A Weekend in the City, the group’s anticipated follow-up, is a flaccid affair that ultimately misses its mark. The brilliant guitar work of “Song for Clay” and “Hunting for Witches” and the otherworldly chants on “The Prayer” offer some redemption, but the record is ruined by embarrassing lyrics and corny production from U2 crony Jacknife Lee. Trading the consistency of their debut for watered-down pop appeal, Weekend could just as easily be The Vice Guide to Coldplay.