Based on how quickly tickets for Bloc Party’s two Melbourne concerts were snapped up, the band’s popularity has clearly grown since 2005’s debut 'Silent Alarm'. One might be tempted to suggest that this newfound popularity is largely the result of their more hook-oriented second album, 'A Weekend In The City', than the relatively abrasive and disjointed 'Intimacy', which the band are currently promoting. Still, the mix of indie kids and miscellaneous chancers looking for kicks after work, came to enjoy themselves. It seemed that not even the band’s recent fondness for tuneless pseudo-dance numbers could deter them from having a good night out.
Despite being true to the variety of the band’s back catalogue, the chosen set list veered awkwardly between the propulsive ('Hunting For Witches', 'Helicopter'), the mid-tempo ('Ion Square', 'Sunday') and the aforementioned ‘dancier’ tracks, making it difficult for any sort of momentum to be generated. Not helping matters was a sound (typical of festival hall) that blunted the band’s attack, muddying what should have been show-stoppers. Disappointingly 'Banquet' came and went without leaving any real impact.
So, it was left to 'Silent Alarm' standouts 'So Here We Are' and 'This Modern Love' to restore faith in proceedings. Elegantly written and performed sublimely, they invited mass sing-alongs from those near the front of the stage, whilst providing brief moments of respite for those in the stands. We left the concert knowing it was a good start to the beginning of yet another gloomy weekend in the city.
--- Contributed by Benjamin F
No comments:
Post a Comment