Basht. are one of the most exciting bands in the indie-rock scene right now. Hailing from Rathmines, Dublin, they have drawn fans in over the summer with a steady stream of singles and multiple festival appearances, including Boardmasters and Rock Werchter. This autumn, they've treated their audience to an atmospheric album that feels emotional and cosy, perfect for the time of year. 

The album kicks off with 'Dive'. The opening track is calming, with lyrics evoking images of birds and wings, symbolising learning to fly on your own again, free from being held up by others. Gorgeous guitar riffs keep the song flowing smoothly. Unexpectedly, the tune is an ode to The Sound of Music, featuring lyrics such as “when the dog bites, when the bee stings / when I'm feeling sad”. Instead, the band turn their sadness into anger, reshaping the film's lyrics into “when I’m feeling mad, try and remember you’re my favourite thing / and then I won't seem so sad.” It's a very niche reference that adds an extra personal touch from the boys.

Next is 'Perfume’, a potential standout song of the season with a strong dark academia vibe. It evokes mystery, as in the bridge line “can't hide the scent of turpentine in cheap perfume”, which references turpentine’s toxicity. It makes listeners think about what horrors can hide behind beautiful things. The track features a potent sound with rapid bass riffs and heavy drums, building to a commanding climax before softening again and highlighting the lyrics around “in time, her thorns will cut, the son will cry”, when the horrors can be seen clearly.

'Keira Knightley' is a song about holding someone tightly and not letting go. Lead singer Jack Leavey demonstrates strong vocal control, with his vocals front and centre for most of the song, blending seamlessly with the backing instruments. And of course, continuing the nods to film, “ring your bell like Keira Knightley” is from Love Actually. 

'Terror TV' features impactful lyrics about the news and how influential figures hide behind silence. With lines like "keep writing the songs, man, you keep them guessing," it feels especially relevant for celebrities trying to talk about the causes they support. It also includes witticisms about shifting problems: “the problems that they all swing / back and forth depending on the preconditions / call it karma sutra, teach 'em new positions”. This mirrors how many prime ministers and world leaders say one thing to gain power, then seem to do the opposite. The track's sound, however, is somewhat uplifting, with a fast, almost jumpy beat.

'Superchurch' opens with a calmer, more tranquil instrumental. It feels reminiscent of old-school Fontaines D.C., building into an emotional chorus and Leavey's vocals, beautifully produced by Ali Chant and driven by gritty bass riffs from Louis Christle, revealing a side of the band previously unheard of.

'Vermilion Reptilian' is so restrained that it highlights the incredible drum beat, seamlessly integrating with the guitar and bass. It allows each instrument to stand out, giving them all a moment in the spotlight. Their next track, 'Circadia', will captivate fans live with haunting melodies and a dynamic build, making it one of the album's most striking tunes and one that will sound incredible live too.

'Moth' pulls back again, melancholic. With lyrics like “there's an artist in my head / I don't know if it's real, I don't care if it's true / I just want you to mean it when you say you do”, it has an unreal, Kafkaesque feel. The song’s themes echo Metamorphosis: being a bug and how it feels to love, in this case, a moth and its love of the light that ultimately kills it. The chorus reiterates this in “nothing scares me like you”. The song's sound is frantic in a good way, with erratic drums and machine-gun strumming; it matches the lyrics' highs and lows.

'Kids Vs Guns' reinforces the band's political stance and their skill at rendering the world's brutality poetic. This segment originates in a poem but develops throughout and links back to 'Terror TV' in the lyric “it's children starving on the TV”, reflecting on the world's chaos: why are we killing children, and why does no one seem to do anything? Songs depicting genocide have existed for years; look at 'Hypersonic Missiles' by Sam Fender. It went straight to the point, and that was in 2018. “Kids in Gaza are bombed, and I'm just out of it”. It will never stop being relevant, and Basht. knows how important it is to use your voice, whilst you can.

'Poor Advice' as the album's namesake recaptures the bird imagery from 'Dive', almost as a symbol of the band's newfound freedom on their debut. On reflection, it explores themes of growth and self-discovery, and, of course, the challenges of navigating advice that may not always be sound. With rich, emotive vocals and instrumentation, it invites fans to look at themselves. This makes the song a powerful conclusion to a thought-provoking, yet somehow comforting album. 

Their debut album is a forceful showcase of Basht.’s evolution as artists so far and their desire to connect with their audience. Listeners can experience it on their remaining 2026 tour dates.  

Francesca Wood

@frxnwood / @frxnedits

Image: ‘Poor Advice’ Official Album Cover