Bastille releases futuristic “Distorted Light Beam”
Some might argue that we are already immersed in a dystopian fantasy in our current reality. During a period of deep contemplation that we all experienced over the past year, singer-songwriter Dan Smith went a step further and crafted a song that envisions the potential future of society. In the form of Bastille's latest release, "Distorted Light Beam," co-written and co-produced with Ryan Tedder, Smith invites listeners on a metaphorical journey through time and space, whisking them away to another era, location, and maybe even an alternate reality.
The lyrics in the track that resonate deeply are, "It isn't enough to start a riot / Distort the light beam until I like me," sung in an almost detached, robotic voice. The words convey a sense of dissatisfaction and the need to manipulate one's perception until self-acceptance is achieved. The following lines, "It isn't enough, if this is real life / I'll stick to dreaming, come see what I see," suggest a longing for an alternate reality, where dreams offer solace and a different perspective on life's complexities. These poignant lyrics capture a yearning for something more, a desire to escape the confines of reality, and perhaps find a sense of self and fulfillment in a different realm.
In a press statement, Smith describes "Distorted Light Beam" as a soundtrack to dancing through a twisted, euphoric, and futuristic club space. The song encapsulates the concept of boundless possibilities, a realm that currently eludes us in our real lives. Despite this limitation, Bastille finds joy in exploring such imaginative ideas, allowing them to experiment with new sounds and push the boundaries within their music. The track becomes a captivating journey into the realm of the unknown, where creativity and experimentation flourish, offering a glimpse of the limitless possibilities that await.
The accompanying visual, directed by Jak Payne, features Remmie Milner, an actor from Save Me, and perfectly captures the future envisioned by Smith in the song's lyrics. The chorus resonates with a plea for the freedom found in dreams, where anything is possible and one can go anywhere and be anyone. The desire to stay within this limitless realm is evident as he repeats, "So don't wake me up, don't wake me up."
"Distorted Light Beam" follows the earlier release "DRINK." from this year, both coming after last year's Goosebumps EP. Reflecting on the EP, consisting of five powerful songs, it served as a clear indication of Bastille's genre-bending approach moving forward. Smith hinted at the diverse and exciting things they had in store, stating that the EP showcased a range of their creative endeavors throughout the year and gave a glimpse of what else was to come. Undoubtedly, it has been a lifeline for the band, propelling them forward with their artistic exploration.
I would rank this 3 out of 4 stars.
Link to their music video is here.