Block Party at the Olympia

        As the winter blues gradually set in, Monday nights are traditionally reserved for two specific activities: nursing the weekend’s hangover, and replenishing energy supplies for the weekend to come. For a large portion of the population, an evening curled up in front of the fire with Panadol in one hand and the TV remote in the other is no mere luxury - it’s a necessity! Occasionally, however, the Dublin gig scene coughs up an attraction which is tempting enough to lure us out of our comfortable environs, and into the Arctic conditions which generally beset the capital at this time of year. On this particular Monday evening, the choice was fairly straightforward – for modern jazz aficionados, Jamie Cullum was promoting his newest album in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, whilst Bloc Party made a post-Oxegen return to The Olympia.

 For anybody who chose the latter, they will not have been disappointed. Generally regarded as one of the finer exponents of British indie-rock, Bloc Party had something for everyone, from die-hard fans to those who came in search of a live airing of the band’s acclaimed debut, Silent Alarm. Beginning with their biggest chart success to date, She’s Hearing Voices, quickly followed the bass-driven Positive Tension, Kele Okereke and company ensured that the assembled multitude hardly had a chance to draw breath before stomping onto the anthemic Banquet. Three minutes later, the crowd were eating out of the palm of their hands, oblivious to the sound problems which had plagued the opening of the gig.

 Tonight, U2 and Coldplay (the ‘kings of stadium rock’ and the heirs apparent), complete with glitzy light shows and expensive pyrotechnics, were nowhere to be seen. Tonight, Bloc Party proved that simple can often be best. Completely devoid of expensive gimmicks, the band performed in front of a minimalist backdrop of blue fairy-lights, allowing their music to speak for itself. As they wound their way through their debut album, one could not help but notice the new-found assuredness of the group, especially Okereke. The inhibiting awkwardness of a band finding their feet has vanished, replaced by confidence and very definite sense that they are relishing every moment in the spotlight. Feeding off the group’s obvious enjoyment, the crowd responded in kind with an untiring enthusiasm, treating each new song as if it was the first.

 Bringing the show to a close with some of their newer material, including new single Two More Years and fan-favourite Skeleton, Bloc Party left their fans in eager anticipation of their next album. In truth, members of the audience less familiar with Silent Alarm may have struggled to differentiate between songs which essentially sound very similar to begin with, an issue which may have to be dealt with if the group wish to secure further chart success. Following 2004’s indie-rock explosion, it is now time to separate musical genius from the chaff of one-album wonders. Franz Ferdinand recently laid down the gauntlet with their excellent second album. On the basis of tonight’s performance, Bloc Party may well find themselves keeping Kapranos and the boys company in the future.