Review: Bastille tops the charts

Neo-synth pop quartet makes good music with ‘Bad Blood’

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Bastille debuted their new album “Bad Blood,” on March 4, 2013.

Consisting of good beats and uplifting lyrics, the album “Bad Blood” will be a great addition to any music lover’s collection.

Bastille, the newest UK band to take the United States by storm, has hit the ground running with their newest album “Bad Blood.” “Pompeii,” the song and video that has caught the eyes and ears of masses of people across the states, hit number one. The video reached over 46 million views on YouTube in under a year.

The neo-synth pop group was formed in London, England in 2010, and started out as a solo project by singer-songwriter Dan Smith, but was later joined by Kyle Simmons, William Farquarson and Chris Wood, beginning one of the hottest new bands in the UK.

The album opens with “Pompeii,” the band’s single that has become one of the standout tracks of last year with over half a million sales to date. Their unique sound is something that really hasn’t been heard before and can’t be imitated. The song centers around the fact that if we lose something, although it’s easy to dwell on the bad side of things, we should reflect and try to look on the bright side. Some would think this message is cliché, but it really sets the mood for the rest of the album.

The title track “Bad Blood” illustrates a story of a friendship gone wrong that many can relate to. The beginning sounds similar to something you would hear from Linkin Park – a very industrial feel thrown in with a splash of bitterness. The lyrics go on to explain why we shouldn’t hold on to the baggage of our past, and if we keep dwelling on the past, we’ll never be able to move on.

The hidden gem of the album would have to be “Daniel In the Den.”

Opening with piano, the song draws you in, the soft melody later being replaced with Dan Smith’s rich and smooth voice, describing the biblical tale of “Daniel In The Den Of Lions.” The song, although slow, has a way of making you feel thoughtful. Sitting and listening, you hear that the song is filled with hurt and betrayal. This is also a song you can’t help but sing along with. The lyrics, although a little repetitive, impact you in a somber way.

“Bad Blood” is not without its flaws. During first listen, it all flows together well, each song hitting home in some way or another and connecting with listeners. Most bands are able to make a fluid and easy change from an upbeat song to a slower, richer sound. But with “Bad Blood,” most songs sound the same, as if the whole album is a case of deja vu.

To sum it up, Bastille has definitely captured the eye of many in the music industry. Although just starting up, the band has unlimited potential, and has definitely started out off on a good note. Only time will tell if Bastille will continue on their mind blowing track, but with their UK tour selling out in a day, and their album hitting the top of the chart, so far it’s safe to say Bastille is here to stay.

Stop and listen. You will not be disappointed.