Live Review: Bloc Party, Haiku Hands

On an unusually stormy day in Adelaide, English rock giants Bloc Party made their way to Thebarton Theatre to revisit their stunning and influential debut album Silent Alarm. Perhaps feeling a bit guilty about bringing the very English weather with them, the band more than made up for it with a show that was as riveting as it was nostalgic for many in the room.

Sydney dance-pop quartet and opening act Haiku Hands are quickly positioning themselves as a vibrant live performance art phenomenon with strong visual elements. They were spot on live with a greater focus on movement and crowd engagement but really what made them so engaging was their collective spirit. 

When Bloc Party started, there was a sense that they were easing into the show. Singer and 2000s rock icon Kele Okereke told the crowd to pace themselves and it turned out to be sound advice as things slowly built and built.

The drums were always crisp, with silky hi-hats that had an almost electronic sound. Russell Lissack should be considered one of the most important lead guitarists of 2000s indie-rock and the variety and breadth of his performance was a highlight tonight. Okereke's stage presence and crowd banter grew throughout the set and the vibe the band brought just kept building. The crowd's engagement also started to peak by the time This Modern Love came midway through. This song marked a transition point in the show with the crowd in full voice.

The hits came shortly after with biggest songs Banquet and Helicopter dead on, although Positive Tension was also a definite highlight, translating well live. The show reached its climax with Ratchet from their The Nextwave Sessions EP going off to finish a show that left fans beaming.