It's been a busy three years for South London band Bastille. They've gone from a solo artist with song writing ambitions, to a four piece, indie band, who are now taking the charts by storm. This week has seen the release of their debut album Bad Blood, an album I can safely say I'll be listening to well into the summer, as will many others.
I was captured by the synth sounds of Flaws and at the start of the year and more recently the catchy lyrics of Pompeii. Consequently, this has been the first album in a while, that I have actually pre-ordered from iTunes.
The album opens with the universal, upbeat Pompeii, and closes with Laughter Lines, which has an eerie, sci-fi opening, only to develop into a Coldplay inspired backing track. The transition between styles is effortless and almost tell a unique story to every listener.The signature track Bad Blood in particular, has a darkly dramatic, almost cinematic style. The way it opens with an eighties style keyboard arrangement, before gently moving into the band's familiar percussive style is genius. This is easily one of the best tracks on the album and worthy of pride of place.
Other tracks worthy of note include Overjoyed, a soft, lightly percussive track, with delicate, vocals from Dan Smith. Similarly, Oblivion showcases an impressive pitch range and sensitivity, and contrasts with the pacey predatory nature of Icarus. The beautiful piano arrangement of Daniel in the Den, shows Bastille to be serious musicians; they are not just about the synths and keyboards, as many may have thought in light of Flaws, but technically able musicians utilising the wide range of instruments on offer.
The fifteen track album is testimony to the band's hard work and a show case of their sheer range of styles and influences of anything from Mamaduke to Two Door Cinema Club, and the modern use of a string orchestra echoing that of Elbow. Their diverse appreciation does not overshadow their individuality however, in particular their almost tribal charts and raw vocals should be noted. This will be the perfect soundtrack for summer despite its release date, as it holds the perfect balance of easy listening and upbeat crowd pleasers. It's about time a fresh, easy listening, alternative band came to the spotlight and I have no doubt we will be hearing various remixes by DJ's in the clubs as well. Bad Blood alone is great but I would recommend the extended cut which includes a beautiful orchestral arrangement of Flaws and an acoustic version of Pompeii, both of which are unimaginable until heard which then sees listeners question why they ever doubted Bastille.
If this is the band's debut, I can't wait to see how they'll mature over the next couple of years and whilst they are merely supporting this year at festivals, based on the wide praise for this album, I have no doubts they'll be one of the head liners next year.
