Bastille

Bastille

Apr 21

WITH ADDED EPIC APPEAL

When: 11 April 20018
Where: Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Support: To Kill A King; Charlie Barnes

This sold out show was part of the eight date ‘Re-Orchestrated’ tour in which Bastille played their songs with added epic-appeal bolstered on stage by a gospel choir, a string section and a brass section. Of course, it is not very unusual for bands to tour with brass and string sections but whereas they usually act to add colour to the rock core, here the add-ons to the rock band were front and centre, especially the impressive gospel choir. And it worked as the songs were given a new and generally enhanced life. The overall effect was to create a uplifting gig bathed in a lush, luxurious and uplifting sound.

Bastille’s lead singer, Dan Smith, made his first appearance on stage before the main event: both he and the first support act, Charlie Barnes, joined main support act To Kill A King for their final song, much to the delight of the energetically buoyant crowd. To Kill A King’s lead singer Ralph Pelleymounter would return the favour later by joining Bastille on stage for ‘Cut Her Down’ (which is not a Bastille song but a song by Dan and Ralph’s side project Annie Oakley Hanging).

Bastille started their set with an uplifting a cappella version of ‘Pompeii’ that cast a hypnotic spell over the expectant and excited crowd – it was a wonderful introduction to the set that followed. The energy and love from the crowd was infectious and Dan seemed genuinely touched that this ‘Re-Orchestration’ was being welcomed so warmly and enthusiastically. His own excitement was evident when he started the encore perched at Usher Hall’s monumental pipe organ which he then played for ‘Bad Blood’. Highlights of the evening included ‘Icarus’, ‘Oblivion’ (which got the cameras out to bathe the venue in smart phone light), ‘World Gone Mad’ and the final tune of the evening ‘Weight of Living, Pt. 1’.

It was an emotional gig that left the crowd streaming through the doors at the end with a smile on their face. And it was an experiment that Bastille should consider repeating.

 

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