Matt Tong has taken me by surprise. The drummer for Bloc Party - renowned for his gripping and passionate stage presence - is well spoken, polite and particularly enthusiastic. Don’t get me wrong, the Bloc Party’s drummer is living the rock and roll dream, but despite the countless fans, the late nights and the constant travelling, Matt still wants to feel the audience. Literally? “Feel part of the audience,” he spells out. Blush.

Returning to Byron Bay for the second time, there are a lot of us looking forward to Bloc Party headlining Splendour in the Grass this August.

The band, which consists of lead singer Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong, is riding high on the wave of their latest album, A Weekend in the City. One cannot help but be impressed by this more complex, progressive album which takes the best parts of Silent Alarm, and adds elements of unique rhythm that weave through the songs. An obvious resemblance, one might reflect, of a weekend in their city – London.

This richer, dynamic sound is thanks to Jacknife Lee, a well-known producer that worked with Bloc Party on the album. As a vital element to the overall sound of an album, Bloc Party was chuffed to get a producer of Jacknife Lee’s capabilities onboard.

“We were really drawn to his enthusiasm and insatiable knowledge of rock and dance music. It was Jacknife Lee’s experience we wanted to tap into and explore in the album,” Matt said.

This second album has cemented Bloc Party as one of the most sought after bands on festival circuit, not surprising, as it was at the Reading Festival where two of the boys formed the band. Even now, with two more members and sold-out gig across the world, performing at festivals is still a band favourite.

“Festivals are different beasts to your own shows,” Matt explained.

“You’re playing to a larger group who haven’t necessarily seen you or heard much of your music before. Because of this, we alter our set so it’s more hit-friendly, but at the same time we don’t want to put off the core fan base either.”

For those going to Splendour in the Grass this year, get yourself into Bloc Party’s tent and get ready for a ripper, as Matt and the band are planning a ‘slick performance’ with a mix of new and old songs.

Let’s hope that the gig is as good for them as it will be for us.

“Certain nights you just feel like you’re part of the audience, but you can’t control the elements,” he said.

I don’t know what causes a good night - maybe synthesis between the band and the audience.”

Whatever synthesis means, I’m feeling it with Matt. With one arm already in the air, August 4 and 5 are not going to come soon enough.

Bloc Party are performing on Sunday 5 August at Splendour in the Grass, Belongil Fields, Byron Bay. Their latest album A Weekend in the City is out now.