Bad Blood by Bastille: A Review

by Asma Gaba

Bad Blood (2013) is Bastille’s- a London indie band- debut album.

Their first studio album already showcases the musical abilities of

the band. The album overall gives off an indie vibe, but they

infuse pop elements throughout their songs. Some songs even

sound as if they were recorded live; Dan Smith (the singer) has

an extremely organic voice that has become Bastille’s trademark.

Most of the songs on the album have a beat you can sway

to- not quite upbeat, but not somber either. Bastille’s music

seems to have happy undertones, but after a closer listen, the

songs turn out to be almost tear-inducing. Bad Blood talks of

love, loss, failure, and trying to become our best person.

“Pompeii”, “Bad Blood”, “Laura Palmer” and “Weight Of Living,

Part 2” are perfect examples of songs that have upbeat music but

are much sadder than the slow songs of the album- in my

opinion.

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The slower songs on the album all sound as if they were

recorded live- the energy of the songs give off a newly minted

aura. The instruments in the background sound louder, as does

Smith’s voice. “Oblivion”, “Overjoyed”, “These Streets” and

“Daniel in the Den” all sound like a live performance, similar to an

acoustic concert.

Overall, Bad Blood is an extraordinary album. It’s the perfect

album to listen to on a rainy day or to study with. There’s a song

that will fit perfectly in all of your favorite playlists. Three years

later, and Bad Blood is an album I have much love for. My

favorites from the album have to be a tie between “Things We

Lost in the Fire” and “Bad Blood”. If you haven’t given indie music

a try, Bastille is the perfect place to begin!

Bastille’s second album, Wild World is set for a September

9 th , 2016 release.