Fans of the hit song “Pompeii” rejoice! It has been three years since their last album, but British indie pop band Bastille has released their second album. True to its title, Wild World showcases two wild worlds—the physical world we are currently living in, and the world within someone struggling to hide their demons.
The tracks are a combination of R&B, rock, electro and pop with meaningful, yet catchy lyrics. A majority of the tracks begin slow and dreamy, with the instruments at a lull and lead singer Dan Smith’s voice spotlighted until a guitar riff or drum beat introduces a pounding chorus. A listen to the album will result in toes tapping and wheels turning in the brain as the album’s core messages are contemplated.
In the album’s lead single “Warmth,” Smith sings about the “circus-like atmosphere” of our world today. Amidst the upbeat and electric rhythm, Smith sings about wanting to be distracted from the wild world.
The other tracks also dig into gritty themes such as death, anxiety, insecurities and revenge. “Four Walls” (The Ballad of Perry Smith) is about carrying burdens; Smith uses murderer Perry Smith as an illustration of being trapped with bearing burdens for a lifetime. The track includes several unique instruments alongside Smith’s voice to create a haunting tune. In “Send Them Off!” Smith longs to be free of his insecurities and demons. His voice is backed by a spirited jazz ensemble; the mix of bass and brass produces a memorable sound. After all the heavy messages, Smith searches for hope and a foundation in “Anchor.”
Overall, Bastille followed up with a strong and unique second album. They expanded their sound to include a fresh mix of several genres throughout to accompany the raw lyrics. The tracks definitely make an impact: they are simultaneously weighted and infectious. However, even though there is a variety of sounds, the tracks sometimes have repetitive beats, and most of the songs contain talking which is weird and annoying. Even with that, the album has powerful messages and successfully exemplifies the physical and mental wild world.
