06/02/2016 | 02 Acadamy Bristol
They say third times a charm, Bloc Party are back with a new line up and with their fifth studio album and headline NME tour, I catch up with Russell Lissack to talk about all things new and some things old.
You’re headlining the NME tour around the UK currently, how is it?
It’s been great fun so far, we’ve only done 4 venues so far, we have no expectations when touring but Kingston was a pleasant surprise, the fans were lovely and it was so busy. You never know what to expect.
You played at Bristol’s O2 Academy –
I’ve lost how many times we’ve played in Bristol but it was a great atmosphere in the crowd and we’ve had a few days to explore the city previously and it’s a pretty city.
Even though organised by NME do you have a choice of who your support acts are? (Drenge, RAT BOY, Bugzy Malone)
We have an input definitely, we wouldn’t play with anyone that we didn’t think were good. We haven’t had a chance to hang out with any of them yet which is a shame, its just so hectic and busy that there is no time. We’ve met Drenge though and they’re good guys.
Your 5th studio Album HYMNS is now out, how would you describe the sound to anyone who hasn’t yet listened?
Man, I hate that question it’s so difficult to answer. I would definitely describe the Album as a rebirth. But in terms of the sound that’s something that the listener should decide not for me to say.
This is your first Album since your hiatus in 2013, how has the reception been?
It’s still early days so you can’t really tell but it seems good, we’ve had people singing the new songs this tour that has been great. Fans can share their opinions quickly with this accessible age and that’s awesome but also scary. We’ve had the record finished for a while now and been playing it prior to the album release so its good to get it finally out there.
With two new members joining the band Justin Harris and Louise Bartle, did you know them before?
Justin had played in band with Kele and I before so that’s how we knew him. We then realised we needed a drummer and we saw Louise’s you-tube and she came into the studio and that was that.
How has the introduction of Justin and Louise affected the sound and dynamic of the band?
In terms of sound, the new album is more adaptable. Kele and I wrote the album and Justin came in for the recording but Louise only came in for the live shows when we realised ‘oh we need a drummer’.
With the rest of the NME tour and a few more European dates shortly after, whats next for Bloc Party?
We’ve already started writing new stuff with all of the bands contribution. We’re so lucky to have the freedom to write music and I appreciate everything that comes our way.
HANNAH RYAN 