Haunt cover

Haunt

Bastille · 2013

13 min · 4 tracks · synth-pop

Ethereal synth melodies intertwine with anthemic choruses, creating a blend of introspection and exuberance that defines Bastille's early sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pompeii — As Bastille's breakthrough single, it combines infectious hooks with poignant lyrics about perseverance amidst chaos. Its widespread radio play and chart success established the band's signature style.
  • →
    Overjoyed — This track showcases a more intimate side of Bastille, blending soulful vocals with reflective themes of longing and joy, highlighting their lyrical versatility.
  • →
    Bad Blood — 'Bad Blood' captures the essence of the EP's emotional range through its dynamic instrumentation and exploration of complicated relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting and memorable choruses but lacks some cohesion in its overall flow.

What we noticed

  • The first track, 'Pompeii,' features a driving beat and layered vocal harmonies that set an energetic tone for the EP.
  • Each of the first three tracks employs a build-up to a powerful chorus, creating anthemic moments that contrast with more introspective verses.
  • The final track, 'Haunt (demo),' strips back the production to focus on a single vocal line accompanied by minimal synths, providing a stark contrast to the preceding tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in the catalog that doesn't define their breakout or peak phases.
Themes
post-apocalyptic resilience· intimate longing· chaotic relationships
Career context
Released in 2013, Haunt is Bastille's debut EP following their breakout single 'Pompeii.' This project helped solidify their presence in the synth-pop landscape as they transitioned from local UK band to international recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
Chvrches· M83· Ellie Goulding

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Overjoyed

    The bridge shifts from a hopeful tone to a stark realization of loss, marking a pivotal moment in the song.

    This transition not only heightens the emotional impact but also emphasizes the complexity of joy intertwined with sorrow.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pompeii 3:34
  • 2 Overjoyed 3:26
  • 3 Bad Blood 3:32
  • 4 Haunt (demo) 2:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata