"You're at that tipping point where in six months time, when the album comes out, you guys could be at a completely different stage." I remember saying to a very modest and humble Dan Smith. "I hope so" he replies after explaining that the road that he had travelled so far had not been that easy. "You really could, I've got a feeling." There was something in my heart that told me things were about head sky bound. We were sat in their dressing room backstage at The O2 Academy in Birmingham as the band warmed up for Two Door Cinema Club last February. At the time they were unknowingly on the verge of a number one album and about to take the UK on a drum driven revolution resulting in America listening up and them signing a deal state side too.
Standing in Camden's Koko for a series of gigs to celebrate Virgin EMI's fortieth birthday party, the sold out venue filled to capacity as this time the band headlined. Playing the last date of their recent tour before hot stepping to Europe and America next, Bastille have grown and so has their music. It's crazy that in just nine months since first meeting them that things have come so far. Music can create incredible waves, especially when it is left to do the talking. No gimmicks or hidden agendas, totally pure, deeply honest and heartbreakingly real. When a bands ego is pushed aside it connects people and the music's message is clear. That's where Bastille lead with head high dignity.
With support from recent Virgin EMI signing Josh Record the laudable theme of the night continued. His intense songwriting and solemnly addictive performance left the crowd knowing exactly who he was, touched by his lyrics and painfully stunning vocals.
As one of Camden's most respected live venues, Kokos' regal backdrop played the perfect host to a band rising to the top of their standing. Their set was not only explosive and passionate but also captivating and honestly enchanting. Taking the crowd with them as they tore apart 'Things We Lost In The Fire', 'Icarus', 'Laura Palmer' and 'Bad Blood' from their debut album and 'What Would You Do' and their next single 'Of The Night' from their previous 'Other People's Heartache' project. It can always be a risk for a band to play new material amongst a set where the crowd harmoniously know most of the lyrics. Tactically manoeuvring across the stage from instrument to instrument like a well thought out chess game, Bastille threw three new tracks in to the mix. Each one holding their own showing that there is much, much more on the way.
Closing the night with 'Pompeii' hundreds of voices sang along as the house lights warmly lit up the faces of the crowd. Musically vibrant and lyrically eloquent, Bastille have everything you ever want from a band. Add to that a perfectly complementary string section and you can see just why they are one of the most in demand bands in the world right now. A true lesson in dedicated hard work; perseverance to reach the people that matter and proof that real music really is the answer.
'Of The Night' Available to pre order now ::: http://po.st/BastilleOTNytDe
The Album 'Bad Blood' Out Now. Get it here ::: http://po.st/bcSOmE
Join Bastille online ::: http://www.bastillebastille.com/