Back on the Bloc: Festival Preview

It’s that time of year again when, with a speculative eye on the still distant summer months, we tentatively start to get into festival mode, and look for early opportunities to get a proper weekend fix away from the dull realities of daily life. Luckily, this month marks the return of the Bloc Weekend, which was one of the most enticing electronic music festivals the UK had to offer until a disastrous outing in London in 2012. That fateful year, when organisational chaos on the opening day led to cancellation of the whole event, thankfully proved to be a temporary setback for the concept, which returns with renewed gusto for 2015.

With a commitment to re-establishing what was a particularly successful brand, Bloc this year return to their original home – the site of many a traditional British holiday, namely Butlins in Minehead. This original holiday camp setting arguably played a significant part in Bloc’s initial appeal so we suspect the signs are positive for a return to success. Of course, the music on offer is our primary concern, which is why this year’s lineup looks set to be the real key to the Bloc reboot.  

Heading up the bill are the likes of Jon Hopkins, who’s risen to prominence as one of the UK’s most esteemed producers in recent years, Jeff Mills, an immovable force in techno who continues to explore the genre’s most otherworldly recesses, and Warp luminaries Autechre, who return to the festival having impressed in 2011. There is also a chance to revel in the kind of epic techno most associated with Berlin’s infamous Housecat-free zone, Berghain – represented here by the ever-popular Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann, who will play a special back to back set.

Even away from the main headliners – of which there are far too many to squeeze in here – quality shines throughout the entire bill, with the likes of L.I.E.S head honcho Ron Morelli on hand to showcase his boundless passion for raw and rustic sounds. There is also a place for Hamburg-based Helena Hauff, whose scintillating analogue style is exemplified in both her productions for Actress’ Werk label and her increasingly hyped DJ sets. Three-deck maestro DJ Bone is also a welcome addition to the bill, presenting his Differ-Ent alias – which serves as a more introspective complement to the rapid Detroit techno flair with which he has made his name.

UK talent is scattered generously throughout the roster with Glaswegian headliner Jackmaster joined by the likes of Ben UFO – a more complete DJ you will struggle to find – and Paula Temple, whose blistering releases on R&S are matched by her brilliantly structured hybrid live/DJ sets. There is also acid royalty in the shape of the peerless Luke Vibert, the similarly squelchy Ed DMX and a troupe of reliable underground soldiers such as rave king Mark Archer, techno stalwart Jerome Hill, and Bloc’s ever-faithful electro champion Ed Chamberlain.

Pleasingly, there are also a number of particularly inspired picks on the line-up, broadening the scope of proceedings and bringing a true festival feel, where some less adventurous promoters might have stuck with strictly clubby material. Influential New Yorkers ESG come with a reputation for genre-melding brilliance, incorporating elements of punk, funk and soul into their work since their 70s heyday. Similarly hard to peg to any one style, vocalist Dean Blunt emphasises the weekender’s dynamism.

Last, and by no means least, the festival’s individual showcases make it a bit easier to plan your coming and goings. The spot reserved for Edinburgh crew Substance makes us most happy, given the tireless work they have put in to the local scene over the years. Resident Gavin Richardson, no stranger to Bloc after serving up his pummelling take on techno at their boat party in 2012, is joined for the proceedings by fellow regulars Velocity Funk and Dommm, who is just as likely to serve up frenetic electro as he is to dip into ghetto house and bouncing techno.

With countless more acts on offer across the weekend, and a setting that promotes an all-inclusive approach to the weekend blowout in a way no central London complex possibly could, we’re very happy to have Bloc back in business at their trusty seaside base. Pop us down for a gold chalet, please!    

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More from The Skinny:

northwest clubbing highlights, march 2015: where to find the ruckus in liverpool and manchester

clubbing in scotland? check out our clubs editor's tips for  edinburgh and glasgow in march 2015

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