With 2 new members (Louise and Justin) replacing Matt Tong and Gordon Moakes on drums and bass respectively, British indie quartet delivered a world class performance with the aid of the incredible sound in Hackney’s infamous church which previously played host to Coldplay within the last month.
After 3 years away from the scene, there were rumours that Bloc Party wouldn’t return after their second hiatus (previously between albums 3 and 4), however they have come back stronger than ever on the cusp of the release of their 5th album, Hymns. The gig at St John’s was their first in London since their return and played a setlist which included old favourites “Helicopter”, “Banquet”, “This Modern Love” and many more that have wooed fans over the years.
In addition to their classics, they performed a number of tracks off their new album Hymns including recent releases “ The Love Within” which was better live than on the radio, as well as “The Good News” which was released last week. The sound in the church complimented the fast and electrifying guitar of Lissack, whilst singer Kele Okereke, blew away the crowd with his vocals which had been missed for many years. This was despite feeling not at 100% during the gig.
Its easy to see why Bloc Party have such a strong following with the class they offer live and in the studio. The highlight of the night (followed secondly by The Love Within which Kele put emphasis on “getting high”) was certainly the acoustic rendition of “Signs” as the penultimate song. Returning for the encore, the crowd was in shock to see Kele and Russell perform the Intimacy hit which the crowd sung along to masterfully.
Despite seeing Bloc Party (my favourite band) 8 times, it may be nostalgia but for me, the church gave them the edge which made this my favourite performance…..
After 3 years away from the scene, there were rumours that Bloc Party wouldn’t return after their second hiatus (previously between albums 3 and 4), however they have come back stronger than ever on the cusp of the release of their 5th album, Hymns. The gig at St John’s was their first in London since their return and played a setlist which included old favourites “Helicopter”, “Banquet”, “This Modern Love” and many more that have wooed fans over the years.
In addition to their classics, they performed a number of tracks off their new album Hymns including recent releases “ The Love Within” which was better live than on the radio, as well as “The Good News” which was released last week. The sound in the church complimented the fast and electrifying guitar of Lissack, whilst singer Kele Okereke, blew away the crowd with his vocals which had been missed for many years. This was despite feeling not at 100% during the gig.
Its easy to see why Bloc Party have such a strong following with the class they offer live and in the studio. The highlight of the night (followed secondly by The Love Within which Kele put emphasis on “getting high”) was certainly the acoustic rendition of “Signs” as the penultimate song. Returning for the encore, the crowd was in shock to see Kele and Russell perform the Intimacy hit which the crowd sung along to masterfully.
Despite seeing Bloc Party (my favourite band) 8 times, it may be nostalgia but for me, the church gave them the edge which made this my favourite performance…..
