Review and Photography by Robert Barrett

The O2 Academy was treated to the first UK tour night for Britain’s indie rock legends Bloc Party. Tonight was the precedent for the entire tour, and what a precedent it was.

The Murder Capital opened the evening. As a support act they brought incredible energy to impress a growing crowd. They took there time through multiple slow burn tracks to build up tension, releasing it in thrilling stabs of punk anger.

The crowd went from mild interest, to being on the edge of their seats. A band to take real notice of.

Since emerging on the scene in 2003 Bloc party have picked up a reputation as a quality live band. A few technical hiccups hindered the first two tracks as frontman Keles vocals kept cutting out. However by the time the intense “Hunting for Witches” riff rang out the sound was back, and the band were in control.

Latest record “Alpha Games” was the main focus of the setlist, a return to the tighter indie rock they broke out with. Tracks such as recent single “In Situ” perfectly complement the classics like “Banquet”. Russell Lissaks insane guitar skills still have the ability to amaze all these years later.

The crowd were treated to a five song encore that included classics such as the ferocious “Helicopter” and the anthemic “This Modern Love”. A cracking opening to a tour that shouldn’t be missed.