Four days after the release of their album Bad Blood, and just before they claimed number one in the UK album charts, Bastille performed at the Waterfront, Norwich.
We arrived late to a jam-packed venue and the crowd were buzzing (unfortunately, we missed support act MS MR, but apparently they were lovely). Bastille’s whole tour sold out months before it started – and I’m not at all surprised – they have come a long way since last year.
Extremely creative with their sound, Bastille are an unlikely pop band. They produce unusual covers and experimental arrangements, but their music appears to appeal to a cross-section of listeners (reflected by the different age groups present in the crowd). The band conflates genres and combines unexpected sounds, providing a fresh take on the four-piece formula.
The set was quite short (just under an hour), but it provided a delicious taste of their EPs, Other People’s Heartache, and their new album, Bad Blood. The band played with energy, exchanging cheeky glances between themselves and producing tip-top sound. The quality of the gig reached that of the album, but while displaying incredible talent, I did expect the band to do something a little different for live performances.
Frontman and singer Dan Smith wowed the crowd with impeccable vocals and charming charisma, interacting with the audience just the right amount. The gig was wonderfully stripped back and free from gimmicks (a feeling the Waterfront always provides), but having said that, the lighting was impressive. Standing side-on with bright white backlighting, Dan’s profile never looked better.
Bastille finished the set with ‘Pompeii’ and ‘Flaws’, their two best-selling singles, creating an electric atmosphere as the evening came to a close. Overall the gig was loud, energetic and feel-good, and DYC are looking forward to seeing more of their live performances during the festival circuit this summer.
Hatty Farnham
Dance Yrself Clean
