Released: 4th February 2022
Published by: EMI
For over a decade, Bastille have carved out a place among the most popular UK bands. With three wildly successful studio albums under their belt, their next step heads into the realm of science fiction, continuing their unique approach to music.
Following in the footsteps of Doom Days, Bastille continue their pondering on the current state of affairs. This is the album’s only weakness; despite the push into zanier territory, the underlying themes are fairly similar. Be that as it may, the band have firmly embraced a different kind of sound. Traditional instruments take a back seat for the most part in favour of flashy sound effects and echoing background synths. These compositions can grow chaotic, but Bastille’s skill at mixing off-kilter components together is still successful. Humming baselines, robotic voices and pulse-pounding drums are a constant presence.
Give Me The Future is laced with references to the eighties and nineties; this speaks to the album’s blend between nostalgic reverence and the chaotic times we see today. Bastille have said that in the age of fake news, we’re unsure what to believe and the way the album swaps between past and present reflects this. Thelma and Louise is the most direct example, mirroring the film’s focus on freedom and friendship. For other tracks, it’s full-on techno, with a couple of interludes sprinkled in-between. One of these features Riz Ahmed in a reflective conversation at the album’s halfway mark. The neon-noir aesthetic is a move away from the grey colour scheme of past releases; it dazzles with technicolour lights, representing the mental journey throughout the track list.
Being both reflective and foreboding, songs like “Plug In...” and “Stay Awake” have a brilliant build-up, getting across the more concerning elements of the modern world. Yet it’s the title track that makes the biggest the impact. “Give Me The Future” is powerful and all-encompassing, fully absorbing the listener in a contemplative haze. Other entries are more upbeat, with Club 57 and Back To The Future speaking to the more idealistic lives the band imagines. Much like previous efforts, this fourth album is packed with variety while also tying in with our fractured society. On the other hand, “Shut Off The Lights” veers closer to the band’s indie-pop routes with a more bouncy pace.
Bastille successfully continues their push through multiple genres and sounds; Give Me The Future is another great album, one that proves the band’s talent hasn’t lowered one bit through the years. This is a punchy and entertaining set list that does tread close to Doom Days when it comes to themes, but still maintains a high level of quality.
Rating: B
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