Pop radio listeners have more than likely heard the English-born indie band Bastille’s catchy single “Pompeii.” The band released its first full-length album “Bad Blood” last September and quickly caught the music world’s attention. Bastille’s album “Bad Blood” is packed with 13 incredible songs, and the deluxe album “All This Bad Blood” offers fans more song options. Both versions of the album master a tone of unity and strength through powerful vocals while sparking personal reflection with heartfelt lyrics.

“Bad Blood” opens with its current most popular track “Pompeii.” The mood stays upbeat until “Oblivion,” where the tempo slows down to morph into a love song reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie’s “I Will Follow You into the Dark.” The album features energetic tunes like “Bad Blood” to more solemn songs like “Overjoyed.” Listeners may be surprised to find themselves moving along to the infectious beat of “Things We Lost in the Fire” only to be struck by the line contemplating loneliness amid the lively tone of the song. The album ends with the brilliantly written “Weight of Living Part I,” despite “Weight of Living Part II” playing earlier in the album. Several of their songs, such as the track entitled “Icarus,” include allusions from the Biblical and Greek mythology.  

The British group also covers popular tunes from other artists, often altering the title and putting their own spin on the lyrics and music. TLC’s “No Scrubs” and The xx’s “Angels” were mashed up by the band to create “No Angels,” and Lana del Rey’s “Blue Jeans” was transformed into “Requiem for Blue Jeans.” Bastille produces original videos for some of these covers.

The band’s website includes photos, videos and news about the band as well as the chance to buy their music. For only having one full-length album and several EPs, Bastille is undoubtedly a group to watch.