Following the release of quite a few well-received singles in 2022 and a string of gigs over the last year playing alongside the likes of Wunderhorse, Goo Goo Dolls, and bdrmm, Irish standouts Basht. have finally released their debut EP, Dirty White Lies. Guitar-forward and leaning into darker tones, each track tells a story with an emotional and frenetic intensity that seems to match their subject matter well. Of the EP, vocalist Jack Leavey says that it explores the “portrayal of toxic love and abusive relationships, recognizing when you’re in one and also having the ability to recognize when you’re being toxic yourself.”
Dirty White Lies was recorded over the course of six days in Newcastle, with the help of producer Thom Lewis [Sam Fender, The Staves]. The band had found that their sound had begun to depart from the singles they'd initially released, so they regrouped, and these five songs were the result. They've cited bands like Interpol and Bloc Party, and the 90s grunge movement as a whole, as inspiration for the EP, and that comes through. It's easy to see why they've been dubbed one of the most exciting up-and-coming rock groups by publications like Hot Press and The Rock Revival - I haven't heard a more promising debut EP in a minute. Though they've only given us the four new tracks, they've given us a taste of exactly what they're capable of, and only left us wanting more.
Their first live show following the release of their debut EP is tonight at Workman's Club in Dublin, and they'll be on the road for the next week to support it.
Upcoming live dates:
Thursday, March 21st: Workman’s Club, Dublin
Friday, March 22nd: Roísín Dubh, Galway
Wednesday, March 27th: Castle Hotel, Manchester
Thursday, March 28th: The Social, London
Saturday, March 30th: Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
Saturday, April 27th: Gold Sounds Festival @ Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
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