Bastille have released their new single ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ which is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming third album, the follow-up to 2016’s UK No. 1 album ‘Wild World’. The past half-decade has certainly been a whirlwind for the four-piece, who comprise frontman Dan Smith (who is the sole songwriter, and co-produces all the tracks alongside Mark Crew), keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris Wood. They’ve played over 500 shows across six continents, including their recent, critically acclaimed ReOrchestrated tour, and have amassed 15 million single sales and 6 million album sales globally. Both ‘Bad Blood’ and its follow-up, ‘Wild World’, reached No.1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US, and their music has been streamed a staggering 3.3 billion times. They’ve not gone without awards recognition either: after winning British Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, they’ve earned Grammy, AMA and MTV Europe Awards nominations. The new single which was recorded and self-produced in the band’s newly built studio which also houses Smith’s record label Best Laid Plans (Rag N’Bone Man, Rationale), is set to follow their upward trend.
‘Quarter Past Midnight’ is a surging rush of the anthemic bliss Bastille do so well. Driven by a snapping breakbeat and adrenaline flooding drums which fill the track with a shot of exhilaration that dashes through your veins while the infectious melody melts on top of kinetic electronic soundscapes. Oozing tones of excitement and elation this track whizzes with an effervescence that grabs you and makes you want to let loose, dance, sing and just expel all your stress and worries. Sweet toned guitar jangles weave coolly between this delicious explosion of sounds creating a warm delicate braid – tying all the luscious component parts together while injecting a little stream of zest throughout track. Smiths smooth vocals seamlessly flow between his velvety baritone and sweet falsetto making for a dynamic listen. It’s vivid cinematic chorus provides that final burst of ecstasy that will have you hooked and craving more. Bastille never disappoint.
About the track frontman Dan Smith says: “It’s just about trying to capture that Sliding Doors moment on a night out. Some people are gonna go home; for some this is just the beginning. It became about being in someone’s car, driving through the city, and I wanted to try and capture that sense of excitement, and that rush.”
Stream ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ below
hand. He struts up and down the stage with dramatic poses and dance bursts. Not only is Fazakerly a fantastic performer combined with his powerful voice Rationale make an impression that will not be forgotten. With funky tracks sprinkled with soul and coated in body shaking sonic waves Rationale make sure that you not only hear the music you feel it through ever fibre of your being. ‘Fast Lane’ revs up the crowd in this delirious energetic yet soulful frenzy. The pulsing snappy beat and sweet luscious tones on guitar that, might I add look really slick played live. The power, punch and multi texture that the synths provide give the tracks luxurious layers making these tracks deluxe and infectious. Fazakerly gets the crowd dancing and engaging so effortlessly with his magnetism and humorous banter. I found myself gushing about how brilliant Rationale was long after the show. I would highly recommend seeing them live!
in a sing along. The quintet made the arena seem like an intimate gig as they held onto their raw fresh energy that too often gets lost at an arena show with over production. Though probably well rehearsed parts seem to be off the cuff and spontaneous which was refreshing and the crowd lapped it up savouring every moment, proud of the lads achievements from busking roots to the 3arena. Despite the constant reminder from Kavanagh, I cant seem to remember where they will be playing next though……..(March 31st The Olympia Theatre)
turnout and the support Smith recalls the last time they were in Dublin in the Academy 2 and once again thanks the crowd. We only receive brief breaks from the intense energy with the slower sweet lull of ‘These Four Walls'(The Ballad Of Perry Smith). ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ sees Smith rush back into the crowd as he encourages the entire arena to dance with him and we witness a sea of jumping as everyone on the floor joins in. Feeling tired from dancing song after song I decide to rest a bit until they explode into ‘Good Grief’ and although my legs felt like they could buckle under me I jumped and danced anyway (feeling the pain of that decision the next day I still regret nothing).
a fire exit stairwell. Backed by guitarist Will Farquarson they sing ‘Two Evils’ not fazed by the height Smith waves at fans in the balcony. No-one feels left out when Bastille perform, they include and engage with everyone even if it is at dangerous heights. ‘Icarus’ returns Smith and Farquarson to the stage and the crowd bellow out the lyrics while Smith spins about the stage and pirouettes with bliss. This manic and energetic set comes to a close with their biggest hit and much loved ‘Pompeii’. Keywest and Rationale are invited on stage to help them out. An outburst of singing from the crowd and massive sound of all the acts on stage lifts the song into legendary status. The three acts on stage and the audience experience a special moment of euphoria and elation leaving everyone in an ecstatic high as they leave the venue.
