Marble Factory 11/2/22
It’s a surprise to none that alt-indie Bastille can draw a crowd. The quartet performed tonight without drummer Woody, for the intimate live session before their arena tour in a couple months. Tonight was a celebration, as their latest album ‘Give Me The Future’ had debuted at the No.1 spot on the Official UK Albums Chart after dominating the mid-week charts – becoming their third album to hit the top spot.
It was a friendly welcome to see frontman Dan Smith welcoming fans at the merchandise stand and signing records, as they quickly piled into Marble Factory. And as they did indeed slowly fill the room, so did a certain buzz that comes around the headliner for the night. The band, accompanied by their guitarist for his first night of the tour, was greeted by a very warm (and loud) welcome from the masses. Smith spoke of how these shows were going to be “special” and “different than usual” – and boy, was he right.
The audience was treated to a mellow rendition of Icarus from the band’s first album ‘Bad Blood’, which had aided their rise to fame in 2013. A request taken from fans all over the world – from Brazil, Germany, New Zealand, London and Spain. For a group of this size to take requests is an unusual addition to a set, however the aforementioned ballad was clearly a fan favourite, with the venue filled with the voices of adoring fans. There was a certain feeling of intimacy that comes from moments like this, a shared moment of unity between people from all ages and backgrounds throughout the venue. And that wasn’t the only for the night, with the trio also treating us to piano renditions of some of their chart-topping hits, including ‘Happier’, a collaboration with producer Marshello, and their 2016 hit ‘Good Grief’.
It was great to see the charismatic band have a strong interaction with the crowd all through-out the night, answering shouts from the crowd; “play wonderwall!”, “I’m over it mate” member Barnes chuckled, and even going as far as talking the crowd through the process of recording a live mixed clap loop for their last song of the night.
The show was short with no support so an early start, however the band drew such a strong emotional reaction for many in the room, which was evident during their stripped-back rendition of ‘Pompeii’ – the band’s first hit single. The voices of the audience at times was almost drowning out those of the band themselves. And as the crowd dissolved, it really did feel like we had witnessed something special from the band tonight.
Daisy Kent – Music Photographer
@daisykennt
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