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Thursday, August 31, 2006

Fan review...V Festival, Staffordshire, 20.08.06

Gig: 20.08.06 - V Festival, Staffordshire
Photos and review: Larry McCloskey (a.k.a. Harry Potter)

Angry faces. Hundreds of angered and disgruntled faces were created as we weaved our way through the crowd for a prime position for the Bloc. Of course, I’d never promote such pushing through the audience for any other band, but this is Bloc Party, an exception. After ten minutes of talking to a group of guys enjoying the drunken revelry that a festival offers, I was formally introduced to the crowd as Harry Potter by one of the group. Luckily however, Kele and the band were quick to arrive to save any further embarrassment and take centre stage.

With not so much as a “hello”, the glockenspiel-driven opening (yeah that’s right, a glockenspiel driving a song) and almost whispered vocals of 'Waiting For The 7:18' kicked off the show. It clicked with the audience almost immediately and the crowd became lost in an ecstatic state as the wall of sound produced by the build-up to the chorus jerked in. The anticipation and excitement for the new album had just tripled after this.

Once the band broke into the classics, the set seemed to pass in a euphoric blur as the crowd became lodged deeper and deeper in the music, only emerging to shout out the obscenity at the climax of 'Positive Tension' in unison. Soon the infamous 'Banquet' intro beat kicked in and the crowd almost eclipsed the many amps with their rapturous greeting to the first line. As Kele mentioned, 'So Here We Are' seemed like the perfect anthem for the moment, as the clouds opened and coated the audience in light drizzle (save yourself!).

The highlight of the set for me must have been 'Like Eating Glass', a truly legendary live anthem (well to my mind, at least). However, this time was different; this time I was 6ft further from the muddy floor. The man who decided I was Harry Potter decided it was time for me to fly. And who was I to turn down the opportunity to witness 'Like Eating Glass' from upon high? I challenge anyone to find a better line than “An aversion to light/got a fear of the oooccccceeeaaannnnnnn”. In return, you can get a pat on the back.

The crowd were truly alive at this point, only to be disappointed as Kele announced that this would be Bloc Party's last performance in the UK this year. And what better way to go than 'Helicopter'. The feedback levels rose to unheard of amounts. The fans were on edge near the front waiting for it and then...BANG...it all went off royally as Russell flew into the riff and mad jumping ensued, as well as a small mosh pit.

But all good things must come to an end. The band went off, Kele telling the crowd to hit the two men in parrots suits if they saw them and Matt talking of his hate for satsumas (except at Christmas). Drum sticks and water bottles were thrown into the crowd and I left with a sense of satisfaction and the knowledge of witnessing something truly awesome.

Labels: Gig_reviews