CHICAGO- One of the most iconic indie rock records “Silent Alarm” finally got a return reprise live in North America, as U.K. indie band/ art punks Bloc Party brought parts of the pivotal album and other timeless bangers to a sold out Salt Shed in Chicago.
The tour is billed as a 20 year celebration and “Silent Alarm.” “Blue Light,” “So Here We Are,” and “Banquet,” were easy standouts, especially played outside during a midwest summer. Other notables included “Song For Clay,” Traps,” and “Hunting For Witches.”
This incarnation of Bloc Party still has founding members Kele Okereke and Russell Lissack, but the band’s latest drummer Louise Bartle’s infectious energy and precision behind the kit is evident in a live setting. Kudos to Okereke for stopping the show to make sure a fan was OK, and also urging America to stay strong. Lissack gets bonus points for rocking a CM Punk shirt as well Bloc Party doesn’t tour North America as much as they did when they were one of the world’s best bands in the early 2000s, so catch of of the most artistic and innovative bands still rockin’ if you can this summer.
By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of 2000s music, Mike Damante’s book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features exclusive interviews with blink-182, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Descendents, and others.