Bloc Party Rough Trade East review Sept 15

They played three shows the same day, all sold out. An early show, a matinee and a late show and signing. The eager beavers showed up far ahead of time before doors opened for the early show, one fan with a Bloc Party t-shirt was already waiting to queue for the final show and signing at 8.30.

The rest of the queue was a mixture of casually dressed show goers and some with smart workwear, shoes and backpacks, just clocking off of work or for those who have unconventional hours, on their lunchbreak.

It's a good idea to get there early to grab a decent spot especially if you are not graced with height however, a sold out show at Rough Trade East doesn't mean you are packed in like sardines, there's still room to bob your head and have a little dance. Not too much though, the audience do need to remain responsible and restrain themselves from moshing and stage diving if you're that way inclined, understandably a record store might not be the ideal place for that despite witnessing it first hand in the past but don't tell anybody I told you! All other forms of self expression is still a must.

Frontman Kele Okereke sang beautifuly and gently as he emphasized how this was a very personal record, you can tell it meant alot to him as he opens up about his personal experiences. He shared small anecdotes at the start of each song which made the show feel very unique. He says towards the end of the performance

Before singing Now We Can't Be Friends it was described as a song about the unpleasant experience of seeing an ex partner for the first time since a break up and recieved alot of sympathetic boos from the audience. "How come you're not at work?" he asks, with a few shushes in response. They did of course sing I Still Remember and Mercury from their earlier records, closing the show with Banquet, a crowd pleaser which left their admirers walking away feeling content and wanting more but it was time for Rough Trade to get ready for the matinee.

Bloc Party have built a cult following since the 2000's with fans who have followed them on their journey from their debut album Silent Alarm right up to their recent seventh studio album but somehow Rough Trade always manages to make you feel like you are witnessing a band in the beginning stages of their career by creating an intimate atmosphere with simple stage lighting, no pyrotechnics or showboating in sight, letting the music and words speak for itself. Rough Trade East especially being a warehouse space in the historic Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane, keeps it's punk and D.I.Y roots in tact with bare concrete floors and walls covered with an eclectic mix of concert posters.

The record signings and Q&A's also makes meeting your favourite musicians feel very accessible, regardless of how famous they are which can be an unforgettable experience for music lovers. In the daytime Rough Trade East has a coffee shop with a seating area inside and benches outside which is perfect for sunny days and a great place to lounge, taking a break from your record and vintage shopping in the markets nearby. In the evenings they have a bar selling craft beers and an opportunity to have a cheeky browse of the records before the show. Not a bad way to spend your time before you catch your last train home.