Bloc Party - Banquet

When a band re-release a single it usually boils down to two things - cashing in on the success the single made first time around or more often than not, the groups album doesn't have enough strong tracks to release a further new single. 'Banquet' on the other hand was initially released in limited quantities and is Bloc Party's defining moment, which makes perfect sense and a justifiable reason to reissue this excellent single once again to the masses.

Originally heard by very few, 'Banquet' is everything Bloc Party excell at and is sure to inject them deeper into the mainstream. 'Banquet' is the mixed bag of a punching rhythm section from a powerful bass and leading drumbeat combination, layers of spiky, angular guitars and the frantic new-wave vocals of mainman Kele Okereke. The BBC Peel Session b-sides recorded completely live are as raw and blazing as their studio counterparts, showcasing their energetic shows and proving as to why they have become such a popular fixture on the live circuit.

You should know the score by now with Bloc Party and if you don't already own their scorching debut album 'Silent Alarm', where have you been?