Bastille brings Doom Days to Montreal

On Wednesday night, England’s Bastille made their way to the MTELUS on the back of their summer release of Doom Days. This was one of the first stops on the North American tour supporting the album, as the band has been travelling around Europe doing festivals all summer.

Opening the night were Rochester’s Joywave, led by Daniel Armbruster. A fun, energetic, synth pop experience was in store for the fans who showed up early. More fans than expected, at that, as the entire room was packed before the group went on stage.

Armbruster was quick with the quips between songs, saying that Canadians never get to hear their music as we only listen to Arkells, garnering many laughs from the audience. Joywave’s third album will be released later this year.

With the success that the album Doom Days has achieved over the summer, fans were eager to hear songs from the album, and were not disappointed as the band played almost every song off the release. Beginning with the hit single and first song off the Doom Days album “Quarter Past Midnight,” the set was split up into three acts. The set followed the tone and loose story of the album, following a person on a night out amidst the world potentially ending behind them.

Many were interested as to how the band does live, as there were many sounds and layers that are in the mix on the albums. With a multitude of keyboards and drums surrounding center stage, Bastille’s mastermind Dan Smith leaped and bounded up and down the stage. Props such as old TVs, couches, and ladders were mixed in between all the instruments, to which Smith interacted with during each song.

Fans were able to experience a treat on this tour, as a lot of the venues were arenas, and so seeing them in such an intimate venue as the MTELUS was special. Bastille’s biggest hits were scattered throughout the set, such as their song “Happier” and “Joy.” Closing things out with “Pompeii,” Bastille had the crowd engaged from the first note, delivering an exciting performance that many in Montreal were anticipating.