Music > Live Reviews
Bastille // UEA 10.10.13
13/10/13
The freezing conditions outside the venue are extremely countered with the full room I walk into, which seems to be a temperature at least 20 degrees hotter. The whole venue seems to be buzzing with talk and excitement for tonight’s’ headliners, Bastille. This being one of those gigs that sold out before you’ve even typed in the web address, the exclusiveness feel of the event just adds to the buzz.
First support comes from London 5 piece To Kill A King, who arrive onstage to a massive cheer from the audience, almost as if they were here specifically for the first band. They pump up the energy of the crowd with a few sing-alongs and at one point Bastille even join them onstage, a moment in which it sounded as if a few fans actually died from the deathly screams heard from up the front.
Making their way onstage next are Bipolar Sunshine, who waste no time in bringing their massive sound to our ears. It takes a song or two for the crowd to get into the upbeat, catchy mix of genres echoing around the room, but once they do, it is non-stop jumping from a large majority of the crowd. With similarities to bands like Crystal Fighters, I think Bipolar Sunshine have real potential and could have easily headlined tonight. The room is filling up even more, mirroring the increasing fever of movement & exhilaration for tonight’s headliners.
Bastille look small amongst the massive white backdrop they have positioned behind them, but counter this with the giant surge of sound and intensity they bring to the room as their first song kicks in, Bad Blood. The white backdrop is suddenly brought to life with moving images, bringing a whole new dimension to the show. I am not sure whether to watch the band, the film or the crowd who at this point are going crazy – dancing, singing and screaming along to the music. The heat in the room seems to increase as Bastille prove to the crowd they have come back to Norwich even bigger and better than when they played the Waterfront in March this year. Singer Dan launches straight into Things We Lost in The Fire with the same exertion as the first song, to the delight of the audience who, at points, seem to be singing louder than the band themselves. Although keeping the set to mostly well known songs, brand new song Cactus is received with great appreciation by myself and the rest of the crowd who have been devotedly waiting for new material from the band since their release of their album Bad Blood. The song itself seems in some ways different to the classic Bastille songs and hopefully will mark as progression into a new album. The whole venue has such a party atmosphere, with everyone in the room singing along to songs such as Overjoyed and The Weight of Living pt. 2. Flaws is undoubtedly one of Bastille’s biggest songs and is what caused them to attract to much attention so when the first few notes are played, the room seems to go even crazier and get even louder than they were already. Half way through the song, frontman Dan Smith launches himself into the crowd to the delighted cheers of many and seems to instantly become unrecognisable in the excited frenzy of the people nearby. After the band momentarily leave the stage, allowing a few minutes of calm, the return with the more chilled Get Home, which is met with a lot of swaying and singing. The next song, Of The Night, which samples the ’92 song Rhythm is A Dancer, brings the buzz back up as the crowd dance it out along with the band onstage. Sadly, the next song proves to be the last of the night and there is one song the band are yet to play – Pompeii. The massive track is a perfect way to end the night, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the band whose music and presence has so much energy and creates such a fun atmosphere. An amazing night from an amazing band who seem to just continue getting bigger and better.
Ellie Smith 8/10