Bloc Party live / gig review

The twelfth of October. Stood outside the O2 Academy Newcastle (formerly the Carling Academy) in the freezing cold anticipating the doors opening at half past six. This night was the night of something special. The first venue, the first show, the first night of Bloc Party's 8-city tour promoting new-album 'Four'. It was going to be special.

Hand-picked support was shown in the form of London quintet Theme Park. Having played on the bill earlier at Reading and Leeds festival and Newcastle's Evolution Festival; Theme Park couldn't of been a better support for the four indie-rockers.

Theme Park (to the right) were simply flawless. A mix of Hawaiian influences and breath-less vocals really got the crowd of 15-21 year olds shoe-gazing while mimicking the snake-hips and moves being trusted on stage. Songs such as 'Milk' and 'Jamaica' creating the most amazement and excitement from the well-dressed crowd. Theme Park supporting Bloc Party is only the start for this indie-rock band; watch this space - they're going to be huge.

At half 8 we were greeted with a dark blue light covering the stage and heavy dub step-influenced music. We could all feel the tension rising and rising until and enormous cheer had erupted from the crowd of brightly clad young-adults... Kele Okereke, Russel Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong had walked out onto the stage: Bloc Party had arrived.

A light-show spectacular flashed from blues and greens while Bloc Party played an almighty set of 18 different songs; all of which were preformed to high standards and magnificence. Starting the gig with 'So He Begins To Lie' a slow, paced song to set the atmosphere for a night and slowly rolling into 'Hunting For Witches' and 'Positive Tension'.

The crowd participation from the start was fantastic! The fresh-faced uni students on their night out were in full swing down the front pit; literally inches away from the band striking chords magically and swooning with lyrics of destruction and love. The mosh-pits were a breathe of fresh air; who knew that an intro to Flux being Rhianna's 'We Found Love' would create complete havoc and madness in the middle of a pit?

A chorus of deep voices sprung for 'One Last Chance' (always a favourite for Bloc Party fans) really showing how much Bloc Party have been loved and missed over the years.

 "I've been watching that show... That Geordie Shore?" Says Okereke, a reply of boos was met and the front-man found himself laughing before saying:

"This song, is for all of you out there... who have been waiting a very long time to see us" the song in question was a beautifully understood version of 'This Modern Love'. Tears could be seen in many of the young adolescents eyes as Okereke blasted vocals through the whole of the O2 Academy.

Having two encores was un-familiar; finishing on 'Helicopter' the place was set-ablaze with joy. It has been a long time since I've truly felt a music high from a gig; and Bloc Party seriously gave it there all. If you've got the chance go and see them. They ask for quite a high price but the professionalism and smoothness of the band was phenomenal. A great great night.