EP review: BASTETTE – Exposed
RPM Records [Release date 17.09.21]
‘Exposed’ is the debut EP from Blackburn based Bastette, who have already had benefited from recent exposure as one of the artists on the New Wave of Classic Rock compilation. Bastette are vocalist/songwriter Caroline Kenyon, lead guitarist Sam Newiss, rhythm guitarist Eoin Kelly, bassist Paddy Duffy and drummer Rob Hirst.
The EP was recorded at the Lounge Recording Studio in Wigan with producer Gareth Nuttall (Frank Turner) and like many artists has been somewhat delayed by the current pandemic.
The electronic pulsed ‘Stand Back’ has already been released as a single last year and is the first chance on this five song EP to marvel at the vocal power of Caroline Kenyon. Hints of Lizzy Hale and Pink! Plus her own style, which is very melodic and easy on the ear.
‘Poison’ is an absolute belter of a tune, from the hypnotic guitar riffs through to the massive chorus, this song could and should trouble the upper end of the singles charts. ‘Rollercoaster’ is another radio friendly tune and there lies Bastette’s key to potential success, they have enough grit ‘n’ guitar for the average rock fan and a melodic, modern edge perfect to appeal to anyone who loves a good tune.
Hopefully Bastette can get on the road to play these songs live as we have here a band with plenty of potential and crossover appeal outside of the rock audience. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Karen Clayton adds…
If you haven’t already come across Bastette, firstly where have you been and secondly, get in there quick and check them out as Classic Rock Magazine (Rollercoaster was track of the week, beating Halestorm no less) and Kerrang are taking notice and seizing on their success at HRH in August and an epic set at Rockin the Bowl festival in September, it won’t be long before this band will be headlining rather than supporting.
So who are they? Bastette, hail from Blackburn, were formed in early 2019 and is the brain child of singer/songwriter Caroline, accompanied by her full time band. The term Bastette comes from a Ferocious Egyptian goddess in the form of a Lioness – what a lioness Caroline Eve Kenyon is!
They of course made it onto to the top 10:charting album NWOCR vol 1 with “Talk About It” and frankly, we do need to talk about it – take notice rock fans, this lady is one sassy, confident performer that delivers quality track after quality track and her band are simply put absolute class.
Bastette has recently supported Massive Wagons in Liverpool and other socially distanced shows to an appreciative audience (see gig reviews) and they will be supporting Marisa & the Moths in November & December- don’t miss out.
Bastette Exposed EP Tracks:
1) Sick and Twisted released as a single in July and check out the video Bastette – Sick & Twisted (Official Video) that will give you an intro to Caroline’s rich velvety mesmerising vocals and her performance style
“I can’t resist it, you realise that you missed it, so sick and twisted”
2) Talk about it as showcased on NWOCR vol 1 – what a track to introduce the band to a wider audience
3) Stand Back – originally released as a single in 2020; sets out the Lioness position
“I don’t want to start a war, but darling you’re making it harder”
“Just say nothing at all, let it all build up”
4) Poison “I don’t give a damn what you say about me” I think we are going to talking about Bastette a lot in the months / years to come and only in a positive light.
5) Rollercoaster – this track is about living for the highs and thriving in the lows. A high can’t be a high unless we know and accept there will be some low or tough times, right? Couldn’t agree more and I suspect Bastette are very much in their ascendancy.
I’d recommend you check out the back catalogue too, there’s some gems there such as ‘Hunter’. I am very much looking forward to seeing what comes next; I will see you on tour, Bastette. ****
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections