Jacob McCarthy-Schofield can't resist joining the action
Despite expressing a hint of nervousness following a four month hiatus from gigging, Bloc Party showed no signs of it in a tight, punchy, hit-laden set for BBC Radio 6 Music Festival at Band on the Wall.
Unsurprisingly for a band with such longevity (a deluxe version of their debut album, Silent Alarm, was released last year, to celebrate its 20th anniversary) they performed with confidence and control. Starting with new song ‘Coming on Strong’ before launching into big hitters ‘Mercury’ and ‘Hunting for Witches,’ the band ratcheted up the atmosphere impressively. One particular audience member had situated himself on the mezzanine in a bid for professionalism before ‘Hunting..’ resulted in a swiftly finished pint and a journey to the front, the urge to get stuck in a little too intense.
The urge to get stuck in and dance was a little too intense
This lack of discipline was soon rewarded.
The back to back performance of two of the band’s early hits midway through the set was best enjoyed close up and amid the action. The pounding drums, scratchy guitars and rousing chorus of ‘Song for Clay’ served to rile up the crowd just enough to follow with arguably the band’s most familiar tune, ‘Banquet.’ The biggest singalong of the night, fuelled by evident nostalgia amongst the crowd was a blast to be a part of, shaking the floor and even prompting the emergence of a very indie level mosh-pit.
Interspersed between the high energy throwbacks, three new tracks were debuted. The aforementioned ‘Coming on Strong’ the synthy ‘Love Bombed’ and, the clear pick of the bunch, ‘Pigwig’ which brought with it a stomping, Clashesque chorus.
Following ‘Pigwig’ came four of the band’s biggest hits. ‘Helicopter’, ‘Flux’, ‘This Modern Love’ and ‘Ratchet’ which delivered yet more big singalongs, raised hands and stamping feet.
It’s inarguable that people are still heading to a Bloc Party gig to hear the old hits. But founders Kele Okereke and Russell Lissack, alongside Lousie Bartle and Harry Deacon don’t lean on them completely. Smartly dispersing them throughout the set to punctuate big moments.
Despite undergoing several line-up changes Bloc Party have retained everything that saw them emerge as frontrunners of British rock in the mid 2000s. Clean, punchy drums, consistently excellent lead guitar riffs and crowd rousing baselines all combine with Okereke’s striking falsetto to provide everything a smaller venue and a shared bill need. Without any of their own production the band relied on their experience and skill, delivering great fun, big sound, big hits and an entire crowd having a cracking time.
Bloc Party were performing as part BBC Radio 6 Music's annual live music festival at independent venues across Greater Manchester.
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