Bloc Party announce UK tour dates ahead of album release

Bloc Party started writing their fourth studio album last year after a break

Bloc Party have announced three UK shows this summer ahead of festival appearances in Europe and the US.

The band will play Glasgow's Garage, Manchester's Ritz and London's Koko on 19, 20 and 21 June.

Bloc Party released their third studio album, Intimacy in 2008, and are due to release new material this year.

"I know it's been a long two and half years since Bloc Party last performed in the UK," said singer and guitarist Kele Okereke.

"Well it seems that wait is over. We are happy to announce a short run of intimate shows for our friends in the UK and our friends in the US.

"We will be playing choice cuts from our new record as well as some more familiar jams. We hope to see you soon."

The London rockers took a break between 2009 and last year.

During that time Kele Okereke released his debut solo album The Boxer.

His bandmates Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong also pursued their own musical projects.

In an interview with Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe in January, Kele Okereke said the new Bloc Party tracks were "lean and very tough".

They play Mallorca and Ibiza Rocks on 4 and 5 September.