Bastille’s latest single ‘survivin’’ is just mellow enough to charm your socks off. The band has gained a reputation in recent years for undertaking dramatic features, complete with soaring choruses, intense instrumental solos, and sweeping melodies. But their latest tune keeps the proceedings smooth, refreshing yet oddly impassioned.

The song is powered by a simple bass line that fuels the tempo and continue until the very end. This recurring element imparts a sense of familiarity as you journey through the verses and feel the magic of this piece. Dan Smith’s voice is surprisingly suited to laid-back harmonies; his deep, hearty voice infuses each and every word with a fully-realized sense of hopefulness and courage. 

It’s not just the relaxed nature of the song that promises positivity; it’s the simple touches that elevate the tune from mediocre to something really special. Whether it’s the light Gospel-esque backing vocals, the riffs on the trumpet, the cheery snaps and clicks, the sudden appearance of the synth — the composition is packed with enough instrumental details that your attention is taken from the get-go and your curiosity is piqued regarding where it’s going to go. The upbeat pace of the song also reinforces the promising morale of the song. In fact, the conversational language (“What can I say/I'm survivin'/Crawling out these sheets to see another day”) zeroes in on how simultaneously challenging yet simple the act of surviving is. The harmonies echoing in the background add a collective feeling to the approach as well. Everyone’s on the same boat, so to be able to survive together and live to see another day is an achievement nonetheless.

The vocal runs and scat singing that substitute as the bridge continue to amplify the optimistic atmosphere. There isn’t anything too memorable about the track at the end of the day but there is no doubt that it will fill you with a rosy emotion if you come across it on the radio or as the score of a movie or television show. Bastille has always entertained their fans with their heart, and they’ve hit another home run with this sweet melody.  

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.