ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille - Bad Blood

By now everyone knows the English rock band Bastille. This small group from London is responsible for one of 2013's biggest songs, "Pompeii." The success of their lead single has turned Bastille into one of the busiest festival bands in the world this summer. And the good news is...their backing debut album, Bad Blood, is just as strong!

The group is led by singer and lyricist Dan Smith. Smith has an interesting songwriting technique, writing immensely about destruction. This is most easily heard in “Pompeii,” “Things We Lost in the Fire,” and “Icarus.” Despite their dark lyrics though, the songs seem to have a positive feeling, almost inspiring even. The constant theme seems to be not accepting defeat, reminiscent of some Mumford and Third Eye tunes.

Smith has been an avid songwriter many years before the formation of Bastille. He centers his songs on interesting stories and grand historical subjects. This comes through with the greek mythology based “Icarus;” and “Daniel,” telling the Biblical tale of Daniel in the lions den. The tunes are appropriately placed back to back on the album.

One of my favorite things about this album is that Bastille displays great variety with each song. While “Pompeii” is an uplifting radio hit that gets everyone involved, “Overjoyed” is an emotional solo tune. You then have tunes that display quartet singing like “Get Home,” and quirky ballads like “Flaws.”

I also like this album because for me it reminds me immensely of Imagine Dragons. I love the Imagine Dragons debut, Night Visions, and I believe Bad Blood has many similarities. Following Imagine Dragons example, Bastille relies largely on heavy-handed percussion and full band chants. The beginning of “Icarus” sounds very similar to the opening of Imagine Dragon’s “Nothing Left to Say.” Bastille’s “Laura Palmer” also sounds like it should belong on Night Visions. 

In my opinion, the strongest song on the album is self-titled “Bad Blood.” The collaboration of this song makes it a stand out, with a heavy drumbeat and catchy “oh-oh-oh” backup vocals from the rest of the band. The highlight is when Smith sings the lyric “All this bad blood here, won’t you let it dry?” over all the other music.

I have to admit that I’m slightly afraid Bastille could be labeled, “that band that plays Pompeii.” This album though displays they are more than one big radio single. Bad Blood is a great backing album for their lead single that broke them through the indie rock mold.

One thing that I am sure of is that they will put on a great live show. Most of their songs are emotional rock ballads. That type of material always sounds best in a small venue with a crowd of people jumping and singing along. The House of Blues Orlando should provide the perfect setting. Bastille will perform there on Friday, May 16^th. This is not a show you want to miss!

But...if you can't make it to Orlando...our favorite radio station 97x just announced a free concert in St. Pete on Saturday, May 17th featuring Bastille among others! Check out the details HERE!

ALBUM RATING: 4 Stars