WILD WORLD - BASTILLE // Review
In their review of Wild World, NME said; âFor anyone wondering whether Bastille can make another âPompeiiâ, theyâve created a whole album of themâ but I fundamentally disagree. Iâm sure what they actually meant was that Bastille have created some new chart-toppers, but thatâs pretty unattractive to me if weâre thinking about a Bastille album. Itâs a good mindless compliment I suppose, but whatâs great about Wild World is that it doesnât really have âanother Pompeiiâ. It has deep analysis of society, political suggestions, comments on anxiety; Wild World reaches deeper into the passions of Smith which he didnât dare share on a debut album. Itâs got heartache, itâs got history, itâs got literature, itâs got a political edge. It boasts a new intellect and intelligence which is one-upping the gimmicky use of ancient history before, and showing that Bastille can chime these unbelievably catchy and bright tunes but they can give you food for thought and an opportunity to reflect on yourself. Itâs got itâs Overjoyed and itâs Laura Palmer too you know, itâs not just full of Pompeiis. Thatâs why I think itâs been so well received by the majority of fans.
During this album you are supplied with some pretty explosive up numbers which, as they are curated by Bastille, have to feature comments on subjects like human grief and the use of platforms to spread hate. âMindless pop musicâ can be immersive, and it can have thought- I think Bastille prove this.
Thatâs a big contradiction, but I think they capture an eternal youth in their upbeat tunes often associated with mindless pop whilst also showing that theyâve got a thing or two to contribute to the music industry and the world.
With regards to the political nature of this new album, Wild World is connected with âWWCOMMSâ- a mysterious âBastille Companyâ. This is where Bastille have succeeded with total immersion; when you buy Wild World you also buy into this sort of dystopian narrative which is like a Banksy-esque exposition on the mediaâs monopoly over money and their influence on peopleâs emotions. Several visual experiences as well as the digital Facebook messages hinting at releases from the album have really revolutionised the way bands could release music. The work and thought that has gone into this marketing is evident, and I feel like theyâve definitely one-upped the edgy stuff The 1975 created in February (pop up shop experiences and the online promotion). Bastille even took to the Bestival stage in white boiler suits and white safety masks to reenforce the âDismalandâ reminiscent world theyâve created- theyâre pretty committed to their message.
This record oozes personality. I couldnât be more sure this is the album Smith would have created if he could afford being this risky on a first album, and if heâd found the confidence he is clearly developing more recently. This is a complete passion project which just so happens to be a career. The film quotes, subtle political commentary, and the extensive list of intellectual words Smith has pulled out to illustrate his thoughts all fit together in harmony to create perfect satire.
Complexities and pretentious nonsense aside, Bastille have done a good job. With more instruments than Bad Blood, you get a proper scope of sound. I canât imagine how exciting itâs going to be to hear âSend Them Off!â live with itâs powerful bass line and brass section. Over their Glastonbury recording it sounded crisp, but live? Itâs going to be a treat. Especially with that new performance crew theyâve enlisted.
The much anticipated recordings of Blame, Oil On Water and Campus have also made an appearance on the track list; unfortunately no Hanginâ or Overload but maybe that would be asking too much!
Is the world really ready for Wild World? Itâs a bold statement which pushes the traditional barriers of music releases, but I think it will be welcomed nicely. Maybe some fans will take some convincing, and some winning over, post-Bad Blood. Eventually though, this record will be in the music history books- just like Bad Blood.
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