Bastille is an English indie pop band formed in London in 2010. The band consists of Dan Smith on vocals, keyboards, and percussion, Kyle Simmons on keyboards, Will Farquarson on guitar and bass, and Chris “Woody” Wood on drums. The band’s name is inspired by the Bastille Day holiday in France, as Smith was born on the same day.
Bastille’s music is known for its eclectic sound, combining indie pop, rock, and electronic elements. Their breakout hit was “Pompeii,” released in 2013, which became a commercial success and earned them critical acclaim. The band has since released three studio albums, including “Bad Blood,” “Wild World,” and “Doom Days,” all of which have been well-received by both fans and critics.
In addition to their music, Bastille has been active in philanthropic efforts, supporting organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the British Red Cross. The band is also known for their live performances, which often incorporate elaborate stage design and visuals.
Bastille has gained a loyal following around the world, and their music has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. They have been praised for their unique sound, eclectic style, and thought-provoking lyrics, solidifying their place as one of the most successful and influential indie pop bands of the 21st century.
10. “The Currents” — Wild World
“The Currents” is a dynamic and atmospheric song by British indie pop band Bastille, released in 2019. The track features a pulsing and hypnotic beat, with lead singer Dan Smith’s distinctive vocals soaring above the electronic instrumentation. The lyrics speak of change and transformation, as the singer reflects on the passage of time and the ebb and flow of life. The use of water as a metaphor for change and the shifting currents of life adds to the song’s emotional resonance. “The Currents” is a standout track from Bastille’s album “Doom Days” and showcases the band’s unique blend of introspective lyrics and electrifying production.
9. “Million Pieces” — Doom Days
“Million Pieces” is an upbeat and catchy song by British indie pop band Bastille, released in 2019 as a single from their third studio album, “Doom Days”. The song features a pulsing electronic beat and soaring choruses, with lead singer Dan Smith’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe the rush of falling in love and the overwhelming feeling of being consumed by it, with Smith singing about wanting to “fall to pieces” with his lover. “Million Pieces” showcases Bastille’s signature sound and their ability to create anthemic pop songs with emotional depth. The song has become a fan favorite and a commercial success, cementing Bastille’s status as one of the UK’s top indie pop bands.
8. “Snakes” — Wild World
“Snakes” is a song by English indie pop band Bastille, released in 2021 as a standalone single. The song features a dynamic, guitar-driven sound with Dan Smith’s signature vocals layered over a driving beat. The lyrics speak of deception and betrayal, with the chorus repeating the line “I see you wriggling in the dirt like snakes”. The song’s production is layered, with a powerful bridge building up to a climactic chorus. “Snakes” showcases Bastille’s ability to evolve their sound while still maintaining their emotive and introspective lyrics. The song has become a fan favorite and a standout track in Bastille’s discography.
7. “Laura Palmer” — Bad Blood
“Laura Palmer” is an eerie and haunting song by British indie pop band Bastille, released in 2013. The track features a brooding and atmospheric melody, with lead singer Dan Smith’s emotive vocals delivering the cryptic lyrics. The song takes inspiration from the TV show “Twin Peaks”, with Laura Palmer being a reference to the show’s central character. The lyrics speak of secrets and hidden desires, as the singer explores the darker corners of the human psyche. “Laura Palmer” is a standout track from Bastille’s debut album “Bad Blood” and showcases the band’s ability to create moody and atmospheric music with evocative lyrics.
6. “Lethargy” — Wild World
“Lethargy” is a song by English indie pop band Bastille, released in 2016 as the ninth track on their second studio album, “Wild World”. The song features a minimalist production, with a simple piano melody and Dan Smith’s emotive vocals at the forefront. The lyrics speak of apathy and disillusionment, with the chorus repeating the line “Am I wasting all my time in this lethargic, static life?”. The song’s emotional depth and introspective lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Bastille’s discography, showcasing their ability to create powerful and thought-provoking music.
5. “Quarter Past Midnight” — Doom Days
“Quarter Past Midnight” is an energetic and upbeat song by British indie pop band Bastille, released in 2018 as the lead single from their third studio album, “Doom Days”. The song features a driving beat, soaring choruses, and lead singer Dan Smith’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe the exhilarating feeling of being young and carefree, with Smith singing about staying up until “quarter past midnight” and living in the moment. “Quarter Past Midnight” showcases Bastille’s ability to create infectious pop songs with catchy hooks and relatable lyrics. The song has become a fan favorite and a commercial success, solidifying Bastille’s status as one of the UK’s top indie pop bands.
4. “Icarus” — Bad Blood
“Icarus” is an anthemic and powerful song by British indie pop band Bastille, released in 2012. The track features a driving and energetic beat, with lead singer Dan Smith’s soaring vocals delivering the passionate lyrics. The song takes inspiration from the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. The lyrics speak of ambition and risk-taking, as the singer reflects on the price of chasing one’s dreams. “Icarus” is a standout track from Bastille’s debut EP “Laura Palmer” and showcases the band’s talent for creating epic and emotionally charged anthems.
3. “Send Them Off!” — Wild World
“Send Them Off!” is a song by English indie pop band Bastille, released in 2016 as the fourth single from their second studio album, “Wild World”. The song features a lively, upbeat sound with a catchy horn riff and Dan Smith’s signature vocals. The lyrics speak of inner demons and personal struggles, with the chorus repeating the line “Send them off to the holy land / Tell them that the devil’s got no plans”. The song’s dynamic production and powerful vocals have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Bastille’s discography.
2. “4AM” — Doom Days
“4AM” is an emotive and introspective song by British indie pop band Bastille, released in 2019 as a single from their third studio album, “Doom Days”. The song features a stripped-down arrangement of piano, strings, and lead singer Dan Smith’s haunting vocals. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost and alone at 4AM, with Smith singing about the struggles of trying to find a sense of purpose and belonging. “4AM” showcases Bastille’s ability to create powerful and emotive ballads with introspective lyrics and a raw emotional intensity. The song has become a fan favorite and a critical success, highlighting Bastille’s versatility as a band.
1. “Pompeii” — Bad Blood
“Pompeii” is a song by English indie pop band Bastille, released in 2013 as the lead single from their debut studio album, “Bad Blood”. The song features a driving beat and a catchy synth riff, with Dan Smith’s emotive vocals layered over the production. The lyrics speak of destruction and rebirth, with the chorus repeating the line “But if you close your eyes / Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?”. “Pompeii” became a commercial success and a fan favorite, showcasing Bastille’s ability to create anthemic and memorable indie pop music. The song remains one of their most popular and iconic songs.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
