With each new album Bloc Party have been getting progressively more dance orientated, so it was no surprise when singer Kele released an album full of dance tunes in June, entitled ‘The Boxer’. With only a few weeks touring behind them it was interesting to see Kele and backing band pull off an entertaining show.

The first thing you notice about Kele is his passion for the music along with his energy. For just over an hour Kele dances round every inch of the stage, seeming to enjoy the freedom of not having to play guitar for the majority of the set.

Most of the set is filled with songs from ‘The Boxer’ with stand out tracks being set opener Walk Tall and recent single Tenderoni. In an attempt to keep the Bloc Party fans happy, they do a medley of Bloc Party songs, based around a dance groove, which doesn’t completely work, but satisfies enough of the crowd. Overall a good set, which is well received by the crowd. The show ends with an outstanding version of Flux.

Bouncing onstage like a ball of energy, Diana Vickers kicks off with new single ‘The Boy Who Murdered Love’. For the next 55 minutes Diana holds centre stage at the Waterfront, with backing band pushed as far to the back and sides of the stage, allowing her to jump around, endlessly playing and ruffling her hair.

You have to give Diana Vickers credit, whilst most people have been on X Factor have stuck to the tried and tested X Factor path, Diana disappeared straight after X Factor to work on her album, only coming out to appear in a play last year. She worked on creating something with more substance than the usual pop rubbish. The songs are edgy and quirky.

Her performance is almost perfect, never missing a note. She interacts well with the audience, able to relate to them, as the audience is pretty much all the same age as her or younger. Stand out songs were number one single ‘Once’ and her cover of Snow Patrols ‘Just say Yes’ a song which was written for her, but then Gary Lightbody decided to take it back to use for Snow Patrols new album.

The only disappointment is her set lasts only 55 minutes, which seems very short considering the £12 ticket price.

In Case Of Fire

Tonight is the final night of In Case Of Fire’s UK headline tour. The last night of six solid weeks of touring (three with Fightstar and three on their own). During these six weeks, the bands confidence has grown and grown, spured on by the release of their debut album and having fans sing the words back at them.

Whilst the band always had the songs, sometimes the delivery wasn’t there, however their new found confidence has pushed their live performance to new levels. From the moment they step on stage, dressed in matching uniforms as always, the band launches themselves into an energetic and aggressive set. Enemies has never sounded so hateful and aggressive. Playing to a packed room and the crowds reactions also pushes the band. Their usual introverted and concetrated look is out of the window at times, as drummer Colin can’t help but smile at the crowd.

The band play the longest set of the tour throwing in the odd B Side. But where they really shine is with songs such as Violence and Pictures, and Align The Planets as rhymic verses lead into heavy rock out, where singer/guitarist Steve Richardson and bassist Mark Williamson throw themselves and their instruments around the small stage. Whilst six months ago they would be fairly static onstage, the band now throw themselves away, engrossed in their music and enjoying themselves.

The band end the set with Plan A followed by album closer Second Revelation, this is when the real aggression comes out, unhappy with his guitar detuning due to the heat Steven throws it round, before dropping it down on the floor, in the process breaking the headstock.

With sets like this In Case Of Fire will have no problem winning new fans during the festival season.

Maximo Park

Paul Smith is the best Frontman in Indie Rock at the moment, no contest. From the moment he steps on stage into early hit single Graffiti, until they end the encore with ‘Apply Some Pressure’ he works the crowd. During each song he throws himself around, dancing as if he’s having some kind of fit, then inbetween each song he takes the time to talk to the audience, telling them about everything from his day (playing football, and watching Newcastle get relegated) to descriptions about the songs and what they are about. This makes the crowd feel at ease, but also makes the sold out show seem more intimate than it really is.

Early singles Graffiti, Going Missing and Apply Some Pressure stand out amongst the newer material, perhaps showing that Maximo Park will never write an album as good as A Certain Trigger. ‘Our Velocity’ and ‘Girls Who Play Guitar’ also shine, along with recent single ‘The Kids Are Sick Again’ which lacks the power of the earlier songs.

New album ‘Quicken The Heart’ is showcased, without too many new songs being played allowing an even mix between their three albums.

Maximo Park may be an Indie band, but the volume levels in the UEA are at metal band territory, piercing loud. Along with the loud music, they also put on one hell of a light show, with strobes flashing constantly throughout the 75 minute set.

Hollywood Undead

Hollywood Undead are an odd concept at a rock gig, a hip hop band all wearing weird masks (except for their drummer), playing/singing along to a backing CD with just live guitar, drums and the odd bit of keyboards. However, they are awesome, their energy gets the crowd going, a kinda white version of Jurassic 5. A fun and enjoyable band to watch.

Silverstein

For some odd reason Silverstein seem to struggle tonight, although they are putting everything into it, they just don’t sound right. Their songs don’t seem to have the melody they desperately need. I was looking forward to seeing them, so this was a bit of a let down.

The Blackout

A lot of people have been critical of The Blackout for being a ‘fashion band’ and just following a trend. When I last saw them, supporting Lost Prophets a few years ago, I didn’t like them, there were a lot of bands doing this sound, many of them better.

However, in the last few years, other bands have been pushed aside and The Blackout are unleashing a bigger and better sound than before. The joint lead vocals of Sean Smith and Gavin Butler work perfectly together, and allows each of the vocalists time to pose, jump and throws themselves in and out of the crowd all night long.

Whilst at times the music sounds forced and their on stage moves seem cliched, The Blackout remain a fun and entertaining band to watch, blending emo and nu-metal to a packed Waterfront. They command the crowd completely, almost managing to get the whole Waterfront on their knees before jumping up and making the biggest circle pit I’ve ever seen at the Waterfront, covering the whole width of the venue. Impressive stuff.

New single ‘Children Of The Night’ stands out, and seems popular amongst the younger fans, many of whom were witnessing their first gig. Another highlight was their cover of N.E.R.Ds ‘Lapdance’ a song which they had recorded but couldn’t release during to licensing restrictions.

Lights Action

Lights Action are a band that have recommended to me several times in the past, but this was my first chance to see them. With a lot to live up to, they didn’t disappoint. Whilst they only got to play five songs, due to technical difficulties when setting up, they played 25 minutes of epic songs. Musically, they remind me of Clarity era Jimmy Eat World, gentle but with such power behind them. Electro drums are used to enhance songs such as Travellin’ Man. Best song of all is The Bottom Of The Sea which ends with a big choir style sing out. A very uplifting band.

In Case Of Fire

Anyone who has read the site before will know what I think of In Case Of Fire. Personally, I think they are the best new band around at the moment, and their debut album ‘Align The Planets’ has proved that. Tonight was the fifth time I’ve seen them since last September. On previous occassions they have suffered from bad gig line ups, and short sets but tonight it’s all about them. At last, on this headline tour they get to show off the majority of the album during a 45 minute set.

Whilst The Square isn’t packed, the gathered crowd get to witness 45 minutes of aggressive guitar playing, thundering bass riffs and powerful drums. It’s hard to express how good In Case Of Fire are live. Over the last nine months their confidence has increased, and with that their live performance. Singer Steven Robinson sings powerfully, showing off his vocal range, which at times rivals Matt Bellamy.

Tonight stunning album tracks they don’t usually get to air are played including Violence and Pictures, A Pale New Costume and set ender Second Revelation. All show more depth to the bands sound and songwriting.