Gig Review: Bastille.After a series of successful E.P releases, Bastille finally headlined their own full-length tour, previously they had served as support acts for the likes of Two Door Cinema Club and Emeli Sande. They toured on the back of their hugely popular debut album 'Bad Blood', which was released on 4th March 2013. This album seemed a long time coming, given that two of the tracks on this album, 'Flaws' and 'Icarus', were released on their first E.P back in 2010.
The gig took place in the smaller venue within Cardiff University Students's Union, Solus. This intimate venue offered an exclusive opportunity to those who were fortunate enough to get a ticket for this sold-out show. The small, dark room, filled wall to wall with fans, was idyllic for the vibe that emanates from the band's album tracks. It could have been easy to play a slightly bigger venue, and sell more tickets, but clearly executing the perfect show is what Bastille are aiming for.
Opening with the album title track, 'Bad Blood', proved a real crowd favourite. Every member of the audience is captivated by frontman Dan Smith's superb vocal range and indie-wildman hairstyle. The infectious rhythms had the adoring fans clapping their hands and bouncing to the beat. Later tracks, including the likes of 'Laura Palmer' and 'Things We Lost in the Fire', kept the crowd bouncing, dancing and clapping the night away. The show mainly featured debut- album material, however the band did play additional tracks that didn't make the "final cut" of the record. 'The Silence', 'Poet' and 'Sleepsong' were popular and well-known, despite their current status of E.P B-Side or Extended Album tracks. A particular set highlight is their cover of 90s pop band Corona's 'Rhythm of the Night' and eurodance act Snap! 'Rhythm is a Dancer'.
In the concluding moment of the show, Bastille finished off with arguably their most well-known, and most loved, track 'Flaws'. The stage darkened, the recognisably synth-riff began, and suddenly Dan Smith appeared halfway through the on-watching Cardiff audience, who were mostly mutually confused by what had just occurred. Smith seamlessly continued singing as the made his way back through the excited crowd towards the stage, not before shaking my hand however...
