Bastille’s major label debut begins in epic fashion: with raucous, layered choral harmonies. The first track, “Pompeii,” which has gained prominence in the British music scene, introduces us to themes that recur throughout the twelve track record and the musical mind of Dan Smith. Together, the songs weave a story of the grand and ancient Roman city while simultaneously injecting a palpable feeling of inferiority: “But if you close your eyes/does it almost feel like/nothing changed at all?”
This balance is the hallmark of Bad Blood and Smith’s compositional style. The lyrics of many songs tell impassioned stories of love, loss, and confusion. The title track, “Bad Blood,” speaks to a long-past relationship that ended poorly. “It’s been cold for years/won’t you let it lie?” Smith croons over the synthetic, electronic instrumentation that Bastille has perfected over their previous four EPs.
It is this electronically driven sound that makes Bastille so unique, that gives them their own brand of indie pop. The juxtaposition of classic alternative rock instruments like piano with the colossal and unlimited ability of the synthesizer creates a complex arrangement that appeals not only to a general radio audience, but also to an underground fan community.
A prime example of this style comes in the song “Laura Palmer,” which contains a driving bass beat one would usually associate with the Jersey Shore or the latest disaster featuring Big Sean. But when combined with the soaring harmonies and synth lead lines, the song becomes an infectious indie ballad with universal appeal.
However, the album does have its failings. The lyrics, while poetic and beautiful, can seem superficial at times. The song “The Weight of Living, Pt. II” simply repeats the line “Under the weight of living/you’re under the weight of living,” as if we will receive some sort of enlightenment regarding our stress by the third time the chorus comes around.
Bad Blood is good if for no other reason than Dan Smith’s lead vocals themselves. And I’m sure as hell not going to listen to anything else for the next two weeks.
Voice’s Choices: “Pompeii,” “Laura Palmer”
