Indie-pop band Bash! will be one of your ‘Favourite Things’ about 2021

Bash! are a five-piece electro-pop outfit hailing from sunny Southampton. Their eclectic brand of synth-heavy soundscapes and lush vocals from lead singer Amanda Bashmakova make Bash! the ultimate soundtrack to summer.

Short and snappy at just under 3 minutes, their latest single ‘Favourite Things’ is a stunning sing-along anthem. With a catchy hook and toe-tapping melody, it’s not surprising to see it featured on NME’s New Music playlist and selected as ‘Record of the Week’ at BBC Introducing Solent earlier this month.

Formed at Southampton Solent University in 2018, Bash! consists of Bashmakova on vocals, John Burdfield on keys, Angus McIntyre on percussion, Joe Burgess on guitar, and Miles Hobbs on bass.

‘Favourite Things’ is imbued with optimism, showcasing irresistibly upbeat keys and synths. Bashmakova sings of ‘shifting our position, putting on a smile’ as the instrumentation builds up to the captivating chorus. Even the cover art radiates sunshine and good times, with a pop of vibrant primary colours depicting a fruity cocktail.

Stylistically, their sound echoes fellow indie-pop bands such as Blossoms and Fickle Friends, while Bashmakova’s vocal harmonies are reminiscent of the Haim sisters. McIntyre’s drumming crescendo builds towards a simple but effective chorus, sure to resonate with listeners and have everyone singing along.

As the track enters the bridge, Miles Hobbs’ brilliant bassline shines through, ending on a final chorus with minimal instrumentation allowing Bashmakova’s vocals to take centre stage. The accompanying music video for ‘Favourite Things’, directed by Tulula Sofitsi Dotcher exudes 70s vibes, with its vintage film camera style and bright and quirky outfits.

Having already supported Girli, the band are set to play Heartbreakers Bar in Southampton on 21^st June.

Sarah Taylor

@tayl0rsarah

Image Credit: Bash! Favourite Things official single cover 2021