British bands preview new songs at Coachella

United States | | 01 May 2006

The Magic Numbers and Bloc Party treated American fans to tasters from their forthcoming second albums on day two of Coachella...

Performing just after 3pm, The Magic Numbers did what The Zutons did the day previously, getting the afternoon's party started on the outdoor stages - and everyone in a bit of a sweat at the same time. The four-piece played all their favourites with the predominantly US crowd singing along to almost every word. Singer Romeo then revealed their Coachella gig would be the last time they play live before going back into the studio to record their second album. He then introduced new song 'Take A Chance', which hints at a 'rockier' sound for the second album and resembles 'Forever Lost'.

Bloc Party charmed the yankie crowd with posh English accents and cuts from first album 'Silent Alarm', before showcasing new song 'Uniform'. From new to old, Massive Attack played a breathtaking greatest hits set, culminating in the classic 'Unfinished Sympathy', coming on the main stage after Yeah Yeah Yeahs who ripped up the main stage with a collection of songs old and new, Karen O owning the stage and pulling off the loudest rock growls of the entire weekend.

Canada's latest experimental export Metric showed why they're destined to be massive very soon and there were also memorable sets from Art Brut, Editors and Mylo. Scissor Sisters and Tool brought the festival to a fitting close on alternate stages, the former casting doubt over the festival's future by revealing that there are uncertainties about its license for next year. Somehow we reckon Coachella will be back, with another incredible lineup. Watch this space...