This intimate 500-person gig was definitely unlike any other Bastille gig, with their unusual line up being the original surprise as they came on stage. However, the chemistry between the guys was undeniable, providing a warmth towards the audience to make you feel included in the band.
With the crowd hotly anticipating their arrival chanting, ‘eh eh oh eh oh’ from their classic ‘Pompeii’, the pressure was on to fulfil the most die-hard fans' dreams; very apt considering the dreamlike theme throughout their latest album, Give Me The Future. Their introduction on stage was sound tracked by Riz Ahmed’s vocals on ‘Promises’ bringing the drama that underlies their latest sound before blending into the sunny, earthy tune ‘Future Holds’. Dan Smith’s rich vocals are assisted by a synthesizer to create a rousing atmosphere and continues to be a focal presence throughout the set, thanks to an unfortunately timed chest infection for Dan Smith (not that you’d notice by hearing him).
Next came the pop banger from their third album: ‘Quarter Past Midnight’, an irresistible tune that ensures singing and dancing from the crowd and sets a high mood which never leaves. In between songs allows the band to show their collective infectious personalities, with the camaraderie including the crowd and getting huge laughs.
Time for sensitive heartfelt songs, with ‘Power’ and ‘Laughter Lines’ (a massive throwback for the band) slowing adrenaline and captivating the audience. The band established from the start they were keen to interact with their audience - being hyper-aware that the room was filled with their biggest fans – ultimately meaning a ‘dream section’ intermingled with the album’s namesake, ‘Give Me The Future’. Fans sent in their weird dreams for Dan Smith to sing out, and despite tales of drummer Kyle turning his hand to heavy metal and other wacky stories, Smith of course assisted with a beautiful vocal, no doubt a high point for the dreaming fans. Meanwhile, the audience laughed along whilst appreciating the on-the-spot artistry.
An exclusive ‘sad beautiful version’ (according to Smith) of ‘No Bad Days’ silenced the crowd with no signs of illness through Smith’s smooth, soulful vocal. It became the perfect antithesis to the back end of the gig. Of course, ‘Pompeii’ was added into the mix as it would have been criminal to miss the crowd-pleaser out. This brought the energy to the room, both with the audience and the band onstage. The show was rounded off with their newly released single, ‘Shut Off The Lights’ a pure party track that inevitably had the whole room moving. It was time for another slice of audience interaction, with the band recording the crowd singing a line out of the chorus and including it in their set. It meant the final special moment for fans lucky enough to go to this jam-packed glorious-sounding leg of this Indie Record Store Tour, courtesy of Crash Records.
The number one album Give Me The Future is out now.
Words by Ellie Back
Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett (Chuff Media)