The full lineup for Trinity Ball 2017 has been announced this evening, with London fourpiece Bloc Party headlining the bill.
Fronted by Kele Okereke, the band feature a new lineup following a two-year hiatus, with only guitarist Russel Lissack remaining alongside the aforementioned Okereke as original band members. Following their reformation, the band recruited drummer Louise Bartle and bassist Justin Harris in place of Matt Tong and Gordon Moakes, respectively. The band toured 2016 supporting new release Hymns, though their Trinity Ball setlist is likely to interweave more hits from their 2005 debut Silent Alarm.
Bloc Party will play alongside spiritual compatriots Blossoms, an up-and-coming indie Manchester band that show signs of influence from Bloc Party’s work. The band are currently touring their eponymous debut album.
This year’s Trinity Ball also features supports by a strong Irish contingent, with Monaghan blues rock band The Strypes and the previously announced Riptide Movement also likely to play the main stage. Having broken through in 2016, Donegal indie duo Little Hours also feature further down the line-up alongside Waterford-based dance band King Kong Company.
Further down the billing indicates a solid dance tent for the night with a wide variety of sub-genres. With drum and bass from Wilkinson, electro from Fatima Yamaha (aka Bas Bron), techno from Kölsch, and the synthy SG Lewis, these selections almost guarantee everyone will frequent the dance tent once on the night.
Carrying over from a grime-heavy 2016 Trinity Ball in which collaborator Stormzy lit up, Littlez, Inch, Sleeks, K Nine, Swift, and Deepee of South London rap group Section Boyz prove that the genre still has more to prove. The group were recipients of the 2015 MOBO award for best newcomer, following in line with 2015 Trinity Ball act Novelist, a nominee in 2014. Fellow London grime MC Loyle Carner also features at this year’s Trinity Ball, but brings softer, more eloquent stylings to contrast the harsh Section Boyz.
The bill is suitably propped up by the omnipresent home contingent of Trinitones and DUDJ, alongside Trinity FM DJ and assistant professor Nick Johnson under the moniker Plastic Soul. Trinity Orchestra will also play the main square off the back of a successful year playing their David Bowie tribute at last year’s Electric Picnic and Metropolis festivals.
Few stones haven’t been turned in this line-up, but a price increase to €87 under requirement of Dublin City Council means the verdict on this line-up is still out.
Correction: 23.19 February 11th, 2017
An earlier version of this piece incorrectly stated that “Monaghan blues rock band” The Strypes were playing the ball. They are, in fact, of Cavan origin.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 15th, with the ball taking place on Friday 7th April.
