Modern Day Tragedies and Discomfort Lives Inspired Bastille's Sophomore LP

Bastille 

Wild World 

Virgin 

Release date: September 9, 2016 

By Shawal Ras 

Follow @shawalras

Three years ago, no one - not even Dan Smith and co. themselves - could've predicted the massive success to come when 'Pompeii' erupted. The song, which was universally lauded by many critics, propelled Bastille to superstardom, their debut album Bad Blood peaked atop many charts, and has placed a focus on the lead singer's emotive songwriting skill. 

Today, they've released Wild World, and again, Smith's well-written lyrics are the centrepiece of the record.

Filled with tracks made as big stadium-worthy anthems, Bastille's sophomore album feels like an extension of Bad Blood and the band can certainly produce hooks that'll surely please many avid radio listeners. Sonically, Wild World is catchy and electro-influenced. Everything is created ala 'Pompeii' and 'Things We Lost in the Fire', but quadrupled in size; there are strings, horns, guitar (checkout 'Power' and 'Blame'), and airy choruses. Like I said, they're made for stadium. 

But, lyrically, behind the candelabra of its continuous uptempo music, this album focuses on the matters of the heart and the unease, gloomy political landscape of the world. The juxtaposition behind each and every track is perfectly done, made oblivious to the listeners. 

'Two Evils' is definitely that one track that completely captures my attention and certainly a standout cut from the album. With slowtempo guitar riff and Smith's expressive vocal delivery, the song is the most emotionally charged in the album. It's Bastille in their most raw, vulnerable, and unplugged. It reminds me of 'Hello', a track off Evanescence's debut album, Fallen. 

Another standout from the album is 'The Currents', a very unease track about the anxiety surrounding today's political climate. "We're living in the currents you create / We're sinking in the pool of your mistakes," this may be written about the historical Brexit Referendum, but it might as well be about the unappealing ambiance surrounding the US' upcoming presidential election, or, if you are aware of the never-ending political spectacle in Malaysia, this track is as relatable as ever. 

For me, in summary, Wild World is stronger than the band's previous LP and EPs. Instead of looking through history and Greek mythology for inspirations, Bastille shifted their focus onto modern day tragedies and how discomforting our lives are. There's a clear sadness within the album's pulsating beats, and that's a rarity in the sea of faux-sadness of today's pop music. Stream below.

Listen: 'Good Grief', 'The Currents', 'Two Evils', 'An Act of Kindness', 'Warmth', 'Power', and 'Blame'.

Skip: Anything from the bonus side.