Photo Credit: Cerys Alexa / Words: Cara Clarke
Basht’s appearance in Sheffield this week marked the release of their debut album ‘Poor Advice’. A haunting album that confronts the bitter realities of being dragged along by a world built on institutional power imbalances and violence.
Crowds lit by hazy red LEDs shrouded the Foundry stage in anticipation of the band’s appearance. A spotlight snapped on, soon followed by Basht themselves, who kicked off with the hasty tempo of ‘Kiera Knightley’.
‘Perfume’, ‘Terror TV’, ‘Vermillion Reptilian’, ‘Kids vs Guns’, ‘Superchurch’, ‘Circadia’, and title track ‘Poor Advice’ from the debut album formed the bulk of the setlist. Littered throughout were throwbacks ‘Stockholm’ and ‘Burn’ from the 2025 EP ‘Bitter and Twisted’ as well as ‘Wild Horses’ and ‘Gone Girl’ from the 2024 EP ‘Dirty White Lies’.
I have to say the performance itself was a conflicting one for me. Having seen Basht earlier this year for a lively performance at The Hallamshire Hotel in Sheffield, which saw lead singer Jack Leavey joining the crowd in the mosh pit; it’s safe to say I had high hopes.
Instead, Basht felt a bit subdued at The Foundry and the band more or less played through the setlist uninterrupted. Crowd interaction included an impromptu Happy Birthday to one of their crew and a few clapping moments; but aside from the music they didn’t really say much.
That’s not to say that Basht aren’t a class act. If I had to describe what it’s like to experience their music live I’d say it feels like phasing through time or wading through a nostalgic memory. There’s something about the softer southern accent that adds a captivating depth to their music.
Which leads me into the context of their popularity, because you can’t write a review about Basht without acknowledging that Irish bands have simply dominated pop culture across the UK in 2026.
Fontaines D.C., Florence Road, Esmeralda Road and of course Basht have become symbols of defiance marking the return of a raw, unfiltered kind of performance that audiences have been craving. An art that was lost during the edited era of the 2000s. Not only are they known to Ireland but their fanbases can be found worldwide.
Hailing from Ireland myself I’ve witnessed a growing popularity for Irish bands amongst students here in Sheffield. Every weekend the tell-tale blue and pink of a Fontaines D.C. t-shirt can be spotted amongst the crowds on West Street and posters advertising the tribute band Nontaines D.C. line the streets.
Basht evidently are a part of this popularity. As crowds of fans hung over the barrier with arms outstretched hoping for a chance to take home the setlist, it seems their debut album has been a hit in Sheffield.
