The Playlist: Bastille, The Airborne Toxic Event, & You Me At Six February 25, 2014 By Kim Conway If you read the last Playlist post, you know that I pushed us a little bit out of the box (indie/reggae/pop—what was I thinking? I still love that MAGIC! song). This week, I’m bringing back some more familiar names that I think deserve a little time in the spotlight on The Playlist. 1. Of The Night – Bastille We all know how insanely talented Bastille is. From alternative and top 40 stations to the SNL stage, Bastille is dominating the music industry as we know it. So even though they released this track months ago on All This Bad Blood (a reissue of their album Bad Blood), I think everyone needs to hear it. How often do bands release mashups of 90’s dance songs that become completely deconstructed and haunting yet still totally danceable? Trust me, you need this. 2. Hell And Back – The Airborne Toxic Event Equipped with a contagious melody, this is one of the many songs that I’m relying on to get me through these last months of winter with my car windows iced shut. “Hell And Back” is a solid alt/indie anthem—a synth-backed beat, accompanying claps, and a punch-in-the-gut chorus that will guaranteed get stuck in your head. How many times can I walk away from you? My mind’s like a one- way track and every one is taking me back to you. (Seriously though, I can’t walk away from this one!) 3. Fresh Start Fever – You Me At Six I was anxious for YMAS to drop Cavalier Youth this year and it was without a doubt worth the wait. “Fresh Start Fever” encompasses everything I love about these British gents: music that gets my heart racing. Pure adrenaline and energy. The piano/string intro quickly builds, calamity doesn’t last long, and Josh Franceschi’s power vocals kick in. This track continuously builds—the last punch comes in just past the 2 minute mark. Percussion and solo vocals echo until a guitar kicks in and the track blows up. I’d be lying if I said I don’t melt when Franceschi’s vocals get angry. “Fresh Start Fever” is You Me At Six at their best. .