The Beat Surrender

Anyone who, like me, considers themselves a music fan, will need no introduction to these lads from East London, especially as they hold the heavy weight of being “the band to watch in 2005” on their shoulders. In fact, anyone who has taken the most casual glance at a copy of the NME recently will probably know what shampoo they use, what their favourite food is and how often they call their mum when they’re on the road. It is not surprising then that on this cold Friday evening, the Forum was packed like the proverbial sardine tin to see if the band lived up to the expectations.

Support was provided by Chromeo – a band from across the pond whose sound can only be described as ‘eclectic’. Not in a bad way – despite one of the trio looking like he should have been in the latest Nelly video, their fusion of guitar driven rock’ n ‘roll, electronica and the odd hip-hop beat didn’t leave many still sitting on their seats at the end of the band’s set. With support slots confirmed in the UK over the summer, they’re definitely one to watch.

As Bloc Party tore into ‘Like Eating Glass’, the opening track from their recently released debut album, there was a feeling in the crowd that this might be a gig to remember. It was, thanks to excellent axe-work from Russell and Kele, and a champion rhythm section in Gordon and Matt. A word here on Matt Tong – phenomenal. If you’ve got the album, or downloaded any tracks from the internet, and think he sounds good, you ain’t seen nothing yet, as they say.
Although they both play in a different style, not since Reni have I heard a sticksman with such incredible timing, rhythm and brilliant skipped beats.

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