Bloc Party Back! Wait, Where Did They Go?

So the news is out that 2005 brit-indie darlings, Bloc Party, returned in a big way yesterday (June 19) playing a comeback show in Glasgow to a receptive audience. But it wasn't enough just to churn out hits from their debut album (which 9 times out of 10 for an indie band is usually 90% of their set list). They played from all over the place covering hits, and B-sides alike. And in an especially gutsy move, they opened up with two brand new tracks, "3x3" and "So He Begins To Lie". And they're actually pretty damn good.  They whipped out two more new songs from their upcoming album, Four, which is due out later this month, "Team A" and "Truth", before calling it quits and announcing future shows and- hold the phone. Hold on a goddamned minute! What the hell guys?! Seriously, wasn't Bloc Party suppose to be over? This is NOT how you do it guys. First you wait till the critics turn on you for releasing a lackluster album that couldn't possibly meet their expectations. Then you fester with in-fighting rumors for a few years. And THEN you can play a show. And maybe tease us with a new song. Well, I'm just offended. Apparently Bloc Party are "too good" for media speculation and rather concentrate on making music for their fans. Yeah yeah, see how far that integrity will get you boys!

 In case you couldn't see through my blatant sarcasm, I think what Bloc Party are doing is a very awesome thing. And even if you weren't a fan of them, it's great to just see guys who genuinely love being in a band together and making music so much that they can't wait to get it out there for the fans. From all accounts and purposes, the Glasgow show was a hit and killed all rumors about in-fighting in the band.

 I was never too big a fan of Bloc Party, but I didn't hate them and like everyone else I dug the hell out of "Helicopter". But news that band's back at it has gotten me interested in them again. After their last album, the band went on hiatus. A curious case for hiatus as the album didn't do too bad. It wasn't as warmly received as their earlier albums at first, but it's definitely grown on people and it's easier to appreciate the new Radiohead-y direction the band was going in. (Damn, I'm really starting to abuse that adjective. Note to self: Find new iconic band to make into an adjective).

 No, they quite simply went into hiatus because they were no longer required to make any albums for their label and decided to take a break from each other. A move that saved the band and insured they'd come back with renewed momentum. If the crowd showing last night was anything to go by, Bloc Party hasn't been forgotten. It makes you wonder how many other bands could have been saved/awful comeback albums avoided if more artists knew when to take a break.

 Long of the short, Bloc Party's back bitches. And this sounds like the start of great things to come. Time will tell if they can reclaim their indie crown. The scene has gotten a lot more crowded. But if I didn't know any better, it's almost like they don't really care.