September 30-October 6, 2004

musicpicks

Bloc Party

Rock/pop

Bloc Party has snuck into post-Brit-pophiles' orbits at the 23rd hour of the 24 hour party. MP3s of "Banquet" and "She's Hearing Voices"—two sparse, bass-heavy tracks that moodily recall the golden age of Factory—have been making their way around early-adopter music blogs since early summer. But tucked away at the end of their just-released self-titled EP (Dim Mak), right before the obligatory first-single remix, is Bloc Party's secret weapon: the jangly, shout-along thriller "The Answer." It's a huger anthem than "Take Me Out," has grander ambitions than "Girls and Boys" and possesses more pogo potential than "Common People"; and, mark my words, it will fill every dancefloor it hits—including Transit's—with sweat-soaked asymmetrical haircuts and running mascara.

Fri., Oct. 1, 11 p.m., free, Transit, 600 Spring Garden St., 215-925-8878.

—Maura Johnston