I saw Bloc Party last night at the Olympia in Paris - I wouldn't have gone but the ticket was offered to me by a friend. Anyway, a fairly ordinary band that plays very flat and uncatchy music. I danced once - for the hit off their first album (you know the one).

Isn't it strange to be bored at a gig and turn around to see people who ADORE the band, for whom tonight is the most exciting night in ages, who can recite (loudly, passionately) every seemingly-bland and unremarkable lyric?

Bloc Party are awesome.

I just see what it is people like about this band. Sub Robert Smith vocal style, unadventurous guitar... they remind me in some ways of a poor Suede rip off. But they are doing well here in Oz. *SHAKES HEAD*

Stephen, do you have any of their records? Both of their albums are two of the best indie releases in the last five years in my opinion

I've listened to them both Una... I find them a difficult band. Challenging, in a bad way. I think it is the voice. I can't engage with it. Even when Wilco are at their most wilful, Jeff Tweedy's voice makes them more palatable. Because I respect and have seen over the years that you know your music, Una, I'll dig out the new one and give it another go.

rock

I can def see why people wouldnt take to this band. I absolutely love the first album, but the second album is too slow and really exposes Kele's very weak vocals. I cringe when he mentions Hauptbahnhof in one line. Nothing wrong with a bit of pretentiousness, but, well sometimes there is!

I don't see how a couple of listens to the opening track on Silent Alarm could not excite, it's one of the best starts to a track and album I've ever heard. As for the Suede reference, I don't get it, but Robert Smith vocals definitely. But worse..