Bloc Party
Liner notes: Critical darlings and U.K. exports, the frenetic foursome of London's Bloc Party craft angular Gang of Four-isms with danceable beats and punkish, self-aware vitriol.
Sounds familiar: A demo tape in the hands of Franz Ferdinand gave Bloc Party its first leg up, but the initial rush of debut album "Silent Alarm" (featuring cuts like "Banquet" and "Pioneers") eventually gave way to 2007's less critically-loved "A Weekend in the City."
On stage: Don't let the shoegazing fool you—Bloc Party's Kele Okereke and Russell Lissack are pushing pedals aplenty to properly embellish all their riffs and runs, whereas Matt Tong and Gordon Moakes are kept quite busy holding down the beat.
Hit or miss: High-energy music on a day meant for just that. What's not to love?—Tom Korp
Bloc Party plays the South Stage Aug. 9 from 3:45-4:35 p.m.
