While wrapping up their current Australian tour Bloc Party took to one of Sydney’s most intimate live music venues, Oxford Art Factory, in an exclusive showcase for their upcoming fifth album Hymns, a project which has had much speculation surrounding it given the band’s new incarnation. Taking place last night, on Friday 8th January, the special gig was a chance for Bloc Party to test their new material in a live environment, giving lucky fans the opportunity to be some of the first to preview a sizable chunk of Hymns.
With a multitude of equipment packed onto the small stage, including several shiny guitars and an unusually small keyboard, the four-piece performed eight tracks from the new album, including lead single “The Love Within”, with all it’s electronica-leaning oomph and stand-out “The Good News”, a densely layered jam which features a grungy, blues-infused chorus and a charming R&B rhythm.
Also of particular note were more tender, poignant songs “Exes” and “Different Drugs”, both recalling lead Kele Okereke’s emotive songwriting, while giving new additions, drummer Louise Bartle and bassist Justin Harris – ample space to prove their worth, which they did time and time again throughout the set. Meanwhile, guitarist Russell Lissack stood calmly to Kele’s right throughout the set, nailing the various licks that kept songs like “Virtue” and “Into the Earth” engaging.
While the eight-song run of new material was well received by the capacity crowd, there was an obviously stronger enthusiasm for more familiar favourites, of which the band had no issue delivering in a brief encore, containing a mellow version of “Signs” and an up-beat, studio-faithful “Price of Gasoline”. The night ended with the energetic “Ratchet”. You can view the full set list below.
Set List
Eden
The Good News
So Real
Virtue
Into the Earth
Exes
Different Drugs
The Love Within
Signs
Price of Gasoline
Ratchet
Hymns will be released on January 29th. You can pre-order it on iTunes HERE.
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