ABOUT TO BREAK: Bastille

 

I came across these cheeky chaps during Fridays BBC 3 coverage of this years Reading and Leeds festival. Huffing and puffing my way through the live show I was feeling pretty down in the dumps about not having a ticket to this amazing weekend of live music. Possibly the greatest line up out of  the numerous festivals on offer this summer, I was un-amused to be watching it from the comfort of my own home as the rain lashed hard against the windows. Yes, I’m weird and would much rather be out in the rain sipping cider in my wellies and anorak in a muddy Reading field.  And so along came Bastille with an acoustic version of their new EP Bad Blood performed exclusively for BBC 3. Not only are these lads extremely talented but they are also easy on the eye , a winning combination in my books. Their performance was utterly brilliant with stripped back, pitch perfect vocals, offering a mix of melodic sounds infused with indie, dance and pop beats and memorable lyrics.

 

The boys free EP Other Peoples Heartache, which can be downloaded here offers a mix of upbeat melodies and chart worthy hits. The band remind me of a baby faced  version of Bloc Party offering electro meets indie vibes and a refreshing level of depth and character to their songs. Their stripped back rendition of 90’s hit What would you do by City High, is definitely worth a listen, as are Overjoyed and Sleepsong;  if these gritty tracks and the husky voice of lead singer Dan Smith don’t convert you to the sounds of  Bastille then nothing will. For me, these boys are simply amazing.

With Bad Blood entering this weeks NME chart at a very respectable number 8 and some new support in the form of many mud splattered Reading and Leeds attendees and BBC 3 viewers, expect big things from this four piece London band very soon. I for one cannot wait for their debut album….hurry up boys!

Watch their acoustic version of Bad Blood from BBC 3 at Reading here, you wont be disappointed!