British indie giants Bloc Party have unveiled the artwork for new album 'Intimacy', due to have its physical release next month.

The band released the album, their third, earlier this month and it has proved a hit with fans and critics alike. 'Intimacy' is a clear step on for band, yet retains key elements of that trademark Bloc Party sound. Lead single 'Mercury' was a controversial choice, given its rejection of guitars, but in the context of the album it was reborn as a snarling, soulful monster.

The cover of the new album features two lovers about to embrace, though intriguingly the sex of either person is impossible to identify. Lead singer and lyricist Kele Okereke has continually played with gender roles in their songs, such as his boast to use "my teeth and my breasts" on debut album 'Silent Alarm'.

Bloc Party are set to release their new, non-album, single 'Talons' on October 20th. It will be followed a week later by the physical release of their third album 'Intimacy'.