EMERGING DUBLIN POST PUNK QUINTET ‘BASHT.’ UNEARTH DEBUT EP

Anne Kelly Published: March 2024 | Updated: March 2024 3 minutes read

‘DIRTY WHITE LIES’ IS RELEASED AS BASHT. HIT THE ROAD FOR ÉIRE/UK TOUR

Unearthed from Dublin’s emerging music scene, post-punk 5-piece Basht. release their debut offering in the form of their EP Dirty White Lies.

Erupting with initial energy and angst, opening track ‘Dirty White’ acts like a slap in the face, a flag firmly stuck in the ground stating ‘Like it or not, this is us. We’re here, and here to stay.’ There is a distinct rawness within this track, with its fast-paced, racing instrumental partnered with lead singer Jack Leavey’s intense vocals. A strong opener that reflects the strength of the rest of the EP.

Speaking on the meaning of the EP, Leavey says “Dirty White Lies explores themes surrounding the portrayal of toxic love and abusive relationships, recognising when you are in one and also having the ability to realise you are being toxic yourself.” Whilst youthful in age, the sounds all five lads create when together radiate one of extraordinary talent and maturity.

Lead single ‘Gone Girl’ is one you can only imagine riles fans and forces crowds to move and sing along to. The energy portrayed lyrically and musically is intoxicating. Exploring themes of navigating the pathways of life and relationships with limited experience, Gone Girl is just another example of the widened outlook and perspective Basht bring to their musicianship – something most struggle to do. Commenting on the EP – Rossa Healy says, “the band wished to capture the intensity of emotions felt in the lyrics‘ and translate them into the instrumentation of the tracks.

Not to forget, epic track ‘Wild Horses’ packs intimidation and vulnerability with its contrasting strength and sincerity. After hearing it live in 2023, I was initially worried the rawness of the live track would not translate into its studio production, however the emotion of Leavey’s voice and lyrics accompany the incredible instrumental beautifully and in my opinion create the best song on the EP.

Whilst many bands struggle to bring the same energy to their live shows that they do to their studio work, Basht do not. 2024, sees the band embark on another tour of the UK and Éire in support of Dirty White Lies – you would only be a fool to miss them.

Basht. are Jack Leavey (vocals), Louis Christle (bass), Sam Duffy (guitar), Rossa Healy (guitar) and Luke O’Neill (drums).