Jono Moulds checks out the new EP "Exposed" from Bastette, for The Rock & Roll Circus. Due for release on the 17th September 2021, via RPM Records .
OK, so next up for review are BASTETTE, who are a Lancashire five-piece band that will release their sophomore EP on the 17th September 2021.
The band consists of; Caroline Kenyon -Vocals/Songwriter, Sam Newiss - Lead Guitar, Eoin Kelly - Rhythm Guitar, Paddy Duffy – Bass and Rob Hirst – Drums.
The ‘Bastette Exposed’ EP opens up with ‘Stand Back’, which sets Kenyon’s stall out from the off, with its lyrical warning not to mess with this gal. The song starts off with bewitching grooves and rhythms, as it builds towards a powerful and catchy chorus, where the vocal (some great falsetto thrown in for good measure too) meets an identical synth melody that really lends itself to the vibe of the song. There’s a broody middle/bridge section that brings the song gently down before its revved back up again. Awesome.
‘Talk about it’ (which is the lead single) continues with a similar lyrical theme, where it’s pretty obvious that fools are not suffered gladly. The song starts off with a flurry of keyboard/synth, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security, as this track quickly accelerates from verse into another memorable chorus. Inventive, support vocal throughout the song, really adds a lovely nuance to the track. Great song.
Up next is ‘Sick and Twisted’ which starts off with a wee bit of guitar ‘chuggage’, accompanied by some synth frills, as Kenyon’s haunting vocal joins the fray. From this point, there is the anticipation for the inevitable beguiling chorus, which yet again, does not disappoint. This track demonstrates great musical subtleties that weave in and out of the harder edged sections that makes this some top tuneage!!!!
Before we know it, we are on the ‘Rollercoaster’, which as the title suggests, slowly winds its way to the top of the ride, with a slower paced, acoustic intro, that twists and turns into a heavier, free fall of a song. The tune then cleverly winds its merry way between softer passages, that smoothly meet the power of the band in full flight.
And finally, ‘Poison’ seeps through the speakers, which has the strongest intro out of the 5 tracks that this EP offers up, where venomous guitars slide to the forefront. The power intro finally relents into the first verse, but it doesn’t take long until we are back in the full swing of things again.
And so, just like that, the EP is done (only one song is over 4 minutes, but if there is enough quality packed in there, so whose keeping time??).
This is my first time checking out the band out and it was a genuine treat. The songs are really well written and produced, which will quickly get you drawn in. If you are already listening and enjoying the likes of Evanescence, Pretty Reckless etc. then this EP might just be up your street.
Review by Jono Moulds
'Bastette Exposed' is out Friday 17th September. Pre-order it HERE!!
Watch 'Talk About It' (official music video):
Watch 'Sick & Twisted' (official music video):
'Bastette Exposed' is out Friday 17th September. Pre-order it HERE!!
BASTETTE LIVE:
26th August - BLACKPOOL, The Waterloo (w/ Wendy James)
3rd September - WIGAN, The Boulevard (w/ Sam Millar)
10th September - SHEFFIELD, Rockin the Bowl (w/ Cats In Space and more!)
17th October - BLACKPOOL, The Waterloo (w/ Massive)
20th November - MANCHESTER, Rebellion (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
21st November - NEWCASTLE, Trillians (w/ Massive)
25th November - CARDIFF, Fuel (w/ Massive)
26th November - BIRMINGHAM, Engine Room (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
9th December - BLACKPOOL, The Waterloo (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
10th December - NOTTINGHAM, Rough Trade (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
11th December - BRADFORD, Nightrain (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
12th December - HULL, Old School House (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
18th December - READING, Purple Turtle (w/ Marisa and the Moths)
CONNECT WITH BASTETTE:
Official Website
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Ceri Davies
Presenter and Co-Director
