Bastille, WHAT YOU GONNA DO??? | Track Review 🎵

Opting for a distraction from the crazy world, Bastille enlists Graham Coxon for a ‘departure’ for the band “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???”

Bastille released and album in 2019, Doom Days.  I say that to say I had no expectations for new music from Dan Smith and company. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what happens with the release of single, “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???” “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???” finds the British collective enlisting Graham Coxon on background vocals on this very brief ‘departure’ for the band.

Departure? Well, “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???” doesn’t sound like your traditional Bastille record.  This was by design.  Basically, Smith and company sought a distraction from the turbulent world – 💩’s been crazy in 2020 – and they recorded music that’s different from normal.  Honestly, the results aren’t bad, just not what we expect.  “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???” is heavy from the start, characterized by robust guitars and pummeling drums.  Cutting straight to the chase, this record is loud, loud, LOUD! Dan Smith’s vocals are distorted, which gives off those ‘throwback,’ garage rock vibes.  Smith doesn’t need any effects or gimmicks to bolster his success, but I fancy the vocal production, nonetheless. As you might expect, the record sports a big-time chorus that’s heavy, loud, but also catchy.

Final Thoughts 

So, changes can have a number of different effects on a band or musician’s career.  Here, while “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???” is a departure, it’s not so stark that it’s totally off-putting.  There are things to really like about this record, including the vocals and the overall spirit.  That said, I find this single to be a bit heavy-handed and overblown.  It’s not bad though, just very ‘big.’

Bastille • “WHAT YOU GONNA DO???” (Ft. Graham Coxon) • Virgin • Release: 7.30.20

Photo Credit: Virgin