Basht. Unveil Powerful Debut Album Poor Advice via LAB Records
Acclaimed UK band Basht. explore society, power, politics and personal struggles on a bold debut album that turns dark reflections into a powerful musical statement.
UK alternative band Basht. have released their highly anticipated debut album, Poor Advice, via LAB Records, marking a major milestone for a group gaining recognition for their uncompromising sound, thought-provoking lyrics and intense live performances.
Produced by Ali Chant, known for his work with Dry Cleaning, Perfume Genius and PJ Harvey, Poor Advice combines brooding atmospheres, captivating vocals, explosive guitar riffs and unflinching subject matter. The album showcases a band unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths, blending personal reflection with wider questions about society, politics, power and the media.
The release follows a run of singles, including Kids Vs Guns, Terror TV, Keira Knightley and Perfume, which have received airplay across BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, Radio X and other stations. Together, these tracks have helped establish Basht. as an exciting name within the UK alternative music scene.
A Debut Album That Confronts the World Around Us
Across Poor Advice, Basht. tackle subjects ranging from the genocide in Palestine and the influence of the Catholic Church to media distrust and the fragility of personal relationships. Their music balances restraint with intensity, allowing tension to build before erupting into expansive, emotionally charged arrangements.
Rather than relying on constant aggression, the band demonstrate a measured approach to songwriting, using atmosphere, lyrical depth and carefully constructed dynamics to make their most powerful moments resonate.
The result is a debut album that examines the relationship between individuals and the systems shaping their lives, while highlighting the band's growth as both songwriters and musicians.
Critics Praise Basht.'s Uncompromising Sound
Poor Advice has attracted strong reviews from leading music publications, with critics praising the band's intensity, ambition and willingness to challenge established ideas.
Clash described the record as:
“Fittingly heavy, impressively succinct and leaving little to the imagination as it lays the failings of the church, the state and society bare.”
Dork highlighted the band's visceral sound, calling it:
“The kind of sound that hits your stomach as much as your ears.”
MOJO praised their rebellious spirit, describing Basht. as:
“A band in glorious revolt, fired up and feisty.”
Meanwhile, The Line of Best Fit characterised the music as “emotionally weighty”, while So Young praised the album's exploration of societal power dynamics and the band's lyrical and instrumental development.
Notion also highlighted the force of Kids Vs Guns, pointing to its tumbling riffs and crashing guitars as evidence of the band's increasingly direct approach.
Finding Hope in the Darkness
The album's title track, Poor Advice, serves as a fitting conclusion to the record's exploration of temptation, overindulgence and the contradictions of everyday life.
Guitarist and vocalist Jack Leavey explains: “The final track off the album deals with the struggles of living in a world of temptation and overindulgence, the poor advice we give ourselves and hear from others. Wanting to be better every morning, but falling short. It offers a glimmer of hope that reassures us that there is a light to get us through darker times.”
The track captures the tension between the desire to change and the difficulty of breaking familiar patterns, introducing a note of optimism without losing the emotional weight that defines the album.
For Basht., Poor Advice is both a statement of intent and the beginning of a wider journey. With their growing radio presence, critical recognition and expanding live schedule, the band are entering their next chapter with a sound that is as reflective as it is forceful.
Basht. Announce UK, Ireland and International Live Dates
To support the release, Basht. are undertaking an extensive programme of in-store performances, signings, festival appearances and headline shows across the UK and Ireland, alongside an appearance at M for Montreal in Canada.
The announced dates include:
- 9 October — Rough Trade East, London
- 10 October — Resident Records, Brighton
- 11 October — Rough Trade, Bristol
- 12 October — Rough Trade, Nottingham
- 13 October — Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool
- 14 October — Wax & Beans, Bury
- 15 October — ASSAI, Glasgow
- 16 October — ASSAI, Edinburgh
- 17 October — NBHD Festival, Manchester
- 18 October — Castle & Falcon, Birmingham
- 19 October — Headrow House, Leeds
- 20 October — Independent, Sunderland
- 21 October — Foundry, Sheffield
- 23 October — Mutations Festival, Brighton
- 27 October — Rescue Rooms, Nottingham — Low tickets
- 28 October — Art School, Glasgow — Sold out
- 29 October — Gorilla, Manchester — Sold out
- 30 October — KOKO, London — Low tickets
- 7 November — Button Factory, Dublin — Sold out
- 11 November — Empire, Belfast
- 18 November — M for Montreal Festival, Montreal, Canada
Ticket availability may change. Fans are encouraged to check official ticket outlets before travelling.
Listen to Poor Advice
Basht.'s debut album Poor Advice is out now via LAB Records.
With its confronting themes, immersive production and powerful alternative-rock sound, the album establishes Basht. as a band with something important to say — and plenty more to come.
Listen to the album and follow Basht. for the latest music, videos and tour announcements.
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