Bloc Party [Live] @ The Relentless Garage

25th June 2009

July 5, 2009, 11:07 PM

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This gig held special significance as it was one of the very first gigs to be put on at the newly reopened and newly renamed Relentless Garage in Highbury, North London. The Garage used to be a great little venue and had played host to a massive number of gigs over the years ending in it closing down 3 years ago. The revamp has seen the venue size increase and the main room expanded, with a larger capacity [600] although, weirdly it didn’t feel like that many people were in there at this sold out show. The roof has been raised and a new lighting system installed. The venue seems a lot nicer than it's predecessor but still manages to maintain that local, personal venue feel.

Bloc Party appear around 9.30 to rapturous applause, which no one can deny that they have earned. Bloc Party appeared on the scene so suddenly and being consistent in their style, exploration of music and quality ever since. When taking the stage the guys simply adorn their instruments and casually start playing. I’ve never seen a band of such stature act so modestly to a room full of screaming fans. Bloc Party played through all the classic tracks and happily obliged any of the fans that shouted out requests. The gig was personal and intimate; the air electric, the magic of Bloc Party contained in such a small place that it oozes into every available orifice.

The sound in the venue was very good, open enough to allow the sound throughout but not too big so that it loses itself or needs to be played at such volumes as to distort or overpower. The Bloc Party sound is quite raw and realistic, every note sounding like its actually being played, the twang of the strings and the nuances all clear in the mix, the way a good live band should be. I love to hear the mistakes, the sound of the pick on the strings, the natural sound of the player’s technique it all adds to the realism. Bloc Party are a band that are great at being musically interesting combined with their ability to write a great song and fulfill the even greater art of making top quality albums.

Bloc Party at the Relentless Garage in London defined why Bloc Party are such an amazing band; they have great songs, are fabulously expressed and it is all done in the most humble of manners. They are a band to see. Make sure you check them out in the near future, as they will only get bigger and bigger. This gig is one I will definitely remember for a long time.

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