One of the hottest properties in the mid-Noughties was Bloc Party. Hang on a second (presses 'delete'). Ahem. One of the hottest properties in the last seven years IS Bloc Party. Let's get the facts right here, NME may well have gone out of circulation if Kele Okereke and the boys hadn't graced the front cover a few times (or at least offer up a rare interview). OK, a slight exaggeration perhaps but a raft of awards certainly drew journalistic support and attention for a while. Currently, Bloc Party are on hiatus - this means that when they reform in five years time, you will have to join the band in order to buy tickets! Royal Albert Hall anyone?

Meanwhile the band members are busy with other projects - Kele has opted for a straight-A solo album with funk-electronica expert Hudson Mohawke at the helm (I already like the sound of this arrangement, Mohawke is OK in my book), due for release at around the same time as an extensive tour. Which is where we come in.

In addition to the May dates in Ireland (North and South - on sale now), he is now touring the UK starting in Leeds on 1st July and resuming play in Oxford (2nd), Southampton (3rd), Norwich (5th), Shoreditch Village (6th), Nottingham (13th) and Birmingham on the 14th. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday (7th May) priced at around £15 or less.

The new album is entitled "The Boxer" and will appear on 21st June (on Wichita, Bloc Party's usual label).