Bloc Party 14th December Alexandra Palace
Bloc Party are just one of those bands. Their tickets become a little bit more expensive every time you go and see them, the venue gets a little bit bigger, the support get a little bit more well known and the performance out does any negative factor, with your tickets for the next gig already booked before you get on the train home.
Doors opening at 6pm, the Foals enter rather early, the downside to this obviously, a smaller crowd. Yet they did the stage proud and played to an almost vacant palace. Nearing the end of their set, they played catchy and radio friendly tunes Hummer and Balloons- throughout showing a great sense of unity in their ‘all around the drummer’ stage set up. The set was as tight as ever and the Foals are definitely proving to be an exciting fivesome.
The Cribs were up next, with huge expectations on the three lads from Wakefield. And unfortunately- the venue spoilt them. Standing symmetrical to the middle of the stage, the sound was disappointing and Ally Pally proved too much for their genre. The set list upset me ever so slightly also. Playing new material as opposed to classics from the second album stuttered their set, not allowing the crowd to warm up properly. Mirror Kisses, Mans needs and Another Number still put a smile on my face, yet for newcomers, the Cribs hardly sold themselves.
And up step Bloc. Opening with ‘Song For Clay’, Kele keeps the crowd on their toes and bursts into pure Bloc beauty. A mixture of old and new excited the audience, ‘Banquet’, ‘Prayer’ and ‘Positive tension’ all making first half appearances. Eerie ‘Uniform’ and ‘This modern love’ provoked magical singalongs, and ‘She’s hearing voices’ revealed to all where they came from with a special thanks to Joy Division necessary. However, the second half of the set blew me away. Wonderful versions of ‘Helicopter’, ‘Pioneers’ and the new single ‘Flux’- which was accompanied by a light show, turned the gig into a rave and literally sent the crowd into a frenzy.
A second drum set added quirkiness to their performance, with Gordon giving it his best. It’s also important to note that when a band can leave out singles such as ‘I still remember’ during their set, you know they’re doing well.
The bands odd sense of vulnerability grab at me every time, Russell hides behind his lesbian style fringe and plays the guitar like you wouldn’t believe, whilst Kele continues to wear terrible t-shirts and pull them off without even thinking about it. Matt and Gordon- well bless ‘em they are just Matt and Gordon. And with that you have Bloc- possibly the best gig I have been to this year and potentially for a few years to come. So good, I even bought a poster.