Oasis can pack up their parkas and put their feet up – the next wave of Brit brilliance has arrived. On a balmy night in London’s legendary 100 Club, Block 33 staked their claim as the torchbearers of mod revival with a blistering set, brimming with swagger, sweat, and sing-alongs.
Kicking things off was Cian Downing, a 21-year-old North London troubadour who, with his band, delivered an upbeat blend of ska, soul, and indie that set the tone for the night. His set felt like a musical pub crawl through Britain’s past, with shades of The Jam, Billy Bragg, and a dash of Paul Weller-esque bite. By the time they launched into The Jam’s "Town Called Malice", a handful of die-hards sang along, while the rest of the crowd nodded, tapped their feet, and exchanged that universal look of "Oh yeah, this one's a tune".
Then came the main event – Block 33, the new Mods on the Block, a four-piece from Hertford who play like they’ve been mainlining the entire history of British guitar music. Their sound? Imagine if The Who, The Kinks, and Oasis had a pub brawl and somehow formed a band in the aftermath.
Opening with "Breakthrough", from their latest album (which, by the way, has already conquered the Independent Chart at No.1 and cracked the Top 25 in the official charts), the band hit the ground running and never let up. Each song built upon the last, sending the energy higher and higher, with Andy Manning’s searing lead guitar cutting through the charged atmosphere, Stephen 'Keeno' Gardner’s basslines pulsing like an engine at full throttle, and Jamie Moore’s drumming shaking the very foundations of Oxford Street.
Midway through the set, just when you thought things couldn’t get any more unpredictably brilliant, the gig paused for a marriage proposal. A punter hopped on stage, got down on one knee, and popped the question to his girlfriend of 24 years. (Talk about commitment to the build-up!) She said yes, of course – because let’s face it, if you’re not saying yes to love at a Block 33 gig, when are you?
"Beaten" had a dedicated cluster of fans in the front row singing their hearts out, arms in the air, completely caught up in the moment. There was no wild mosh pit—this wasn’t that kind of night—but their enthusiasm was infectious. The band fed off it, pushing the energy higher with "Sweepstake", its pulsing bassline and punchy chorus making it impossible to stand still, and later "When It Comes Around", which had that anthemic, arms-around-your-mates quality that makes a gig truly special.
Even the more laid-back crowd behind them wasn’t immune to the atmosphere. There was a steady ripple of foot-tapping, head-nodding, and the occasional pint raised in appreciation—that unspoken British seal of approval. It wasn’t a night for chaos, but for those moments where the music grabs you, whether you’re throwing yourself into every word or just standing back, soaking it all in.
One of the most refreshing things about Block 33 is their DIY ethos and deep connection with their fans. Dan Dodson, the band's charismatic frontman (who, let's be honest, wouldn’t have looked out of place as the third Gallagher brother in their young days), has said before that the bond with their supporters is what makes the band tick. And they proved it post-gig, sticking around for handshakes, hugs, and heartfelt chats.
In a scene where trends come and go, Block 33 are proving that staying true to your roots doesn’t mean standing still. They’re keeping the mod flame burning bright, blending nostalgia with a fresh, electric energy, and if tonight was anything to go by, this is just the beginning.
Verdict: Brit brilliance, a baptism of sweat, and a night for the history books. If you weren’t there, you missed out.
Setlist:
Cian Downing
Feel So Fine A Better Place Found My Way Today I You Went Away Led Astray Tales Of Two Cities Wasting Our Time I'll Always Keep Enthrall Me Malice Untouchable
Block 33
Breakthrough A Glimmer Of Hope The Promised Land London Town Lost In The Crowd The Monday Club Beaten Square Man Sweepstake Cold Heart Of Stone The Girl In The Yellow Jackie Dress Devils Silhouette When It Comes Around What The World's Expecting (These Are) The Good Old Days Alive & Dangerous Better Tell The Devil Eye Of The Hurricane Keep On Smiling Lucky Day
