Not many cities have a castle, let alone a castle in the middle of the city centre that also doubles as a gig venue. This year, Blondie, Queens Of The Stone Age and more have already graced its walls, and now it’s the turn of Bastille as they headline Depot In The Castle and celebrate 10 years since their debut album Bad Blood.
Example knows his job
is to get the party started
Earlier on in the day, the likes of local lad Tom Jenkins and the hotly tipped Cat Burns entertain the crowd while a Bingo Lingo DJ plays what can only be described as ‘white people classics’ between sets to keep the good vibes flowing. Stepping up for main support tonight is the one and only Example who, after only two songs, lets the crowd know that he feels like he’s home, which is nice. Example evidently knows his job is to get the party started, and brings requisite energy, with songs such as Kickstarts and Changed The Way You Kissed Me absolutely going off.
Soon enough, Bastille take the stage holding a Y Ddraig Goch high before bursting into Good Grief and following that up with What You Gonna Do??? “It’s so good to be in Wales. Getting to play in this beautiful castle is insane!” frontman Dan Smith informs us. “We’re gonna play a bunch of songs from our first album… which terrifyingly is 10 years old this year.”
“This is probably the only song you’ll hear about a dead girl in a TV show in the 90s,” preludes the epic Laura Palmer. Bassist Will Farquarson is also happy to be playing here this evening, as not only can he “see the actual castle from the stage” – unlike some other castles they’re playing on this tour – but it’s also “within walking distance of a Greggs”. Priorities.
Saving the best until last,
Bastille’s Pompeii erupts
into life with joy and fireworks
As promised, there is a lot of the band’s first album, with the likes of Flaws, Weight Of Living Pt 2, and Overjoyed being aired in between some fine choice cuts from Bastille’s other full-lengths. Saving the best until last, however, Pompeii absolutely erupts into life with joy, fireworks going off from the Norman keep as the last chorus hits. It’s an absolutely wonderful moment for those in the grounds to cap off a great day of live music.
Bastille, Depot In The Castle, Cardiff Castle, Sat 8 July
words JOSHUA WILLIAMS
