Bloc Party Interview: Russell Lissack Talks Silent Alarm Tour, Novacub & New Japan Pro Wrestling

Louise Bartle (Drums) and Justin Harris (Bass, Keyboards) obviously weren’t part of the band when you released Silent Alarm. How have they found the experience trying on the songs as ‘new’ compared to you and Kele revisiting them? Any favourites from them that you wouldn’t have expected, or have there been any changes in the way you guys all play them together as a result?

The setlists we have played since they joined have contained a good portion of the material from Silent Alarm so there will be lots of familiar territory. I know Louise has enjoyed learning some of the frenetic drum parts of our earlier material, you can see her going for it on her Instagram!

Alongside Louise, you’ve recently formed a new band; Novacub. What drove the creation of the band, and how would you compare it to when first starting out with Bloc Party?

Louise and I found we had an amazing musical connection almost immediately. We often joke we are long lost twins (I'm the evil one!) as our ability to write and communicate on the same wavelength is so effortless. Initially, we were jamming for fun during excess time on tour, where we found a plethora of ideas were amassing. Unexpectedly, Bloc Party took a hiatus and we found ourselves with a collection of music needing a home, so the timing felt perfect for Novacub to be born! For me, there are certainly some similarities in the genesis of Bloc Party - untapped energy, urgency, positivity, the feeling of capturing lightning in a bottle. It feels like we're on the verge of creating something really special and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Has playing the first live dates with Novacub felt much different to your typical Bloc Party shows? Has it been fun/difficult returning to extremely intimate venues?

Yes, it has been quite different, but again, there are parallels with the early days. It's been really fun playing intimate shows again. At this stage, we are doing everything ourselves so it feels like a real team effort. With that comes added responsibility, nerves, excitement (and chaos like 13 hour round trips to Wales!) but hopefully, I'm able to use my experience to our benefit too. Obviously, it's quite different playing to people who don't really know your music but it's fun feeding off the group chemistry. We'd love to release some music, make an album and do some touring so hopefully, that will happen in the not too distant future.

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