The fellas at Bloc show how summer should be done with this, their first London-based bash after their Butlins-set weekenders, and they’ve orchestrated one hell of a line-up of new, established and underground talent. Straddling genres to incorporate everything from experimental psych-rock and hip hop, to dubstep and techno legends, the bill is marked by its diversity. Snoop Dogg brings his ho-bashing raps to the Friday night as mainstage headliner, supported by Richie Hawtin and Steve Reich. Snoop’s lyrics might not be politically correct, or palatable to the reasonable, but he knows how to work the crowd.
Returning rave-sters Orbital headline the Saturday, continuing their Wonky summer tour into east London. The Hartnoll Brothers find support from the likes of electro messiah Gary Numan, alongside Flying Lotus, Jeff Mills, audio-visual drum ‘n’ bass star Squarepusher, and Texan noisesmiths Battles, whose remix Dross Glop earlier this year is already one of 2012’s long player standouts.
Taking up residency in the London Pleasure Gardens, Bloc has found itself a venue whose character matches that of its acts. Set in 60,000sqm of waterside docklands, with a backdrop of the towering warehouse blocks that used to mark this formerly industrial area of London, the Gardens will boast a 30m geodesic dome, the majestic Hub stage from Glastonbury and an audio-video experience with imposing installations, that make the setting as much of a performer as the stage-bound musical acts.
London Pleasure Gardens, Royal Victoria Docks, E16 2BS
July 6-7 | Doors at 2pm | £99 (weekend)
Station | Pontoon Docks DLR
blocweekend.com
Image: Getty
