Behind Basht, Rathmines alt-rock band

As alternative rock is taking over throughout the music scene, Basht are an example of how Irish artists can continue to thrive in this genre. 

Originally from Rathmines, Dublin, the four lads started off by playing small, intimate gigs throughout the city, attempting to find their sound and get themselves as immersed in the scene as possible post-COVID-19. 

They first released their debut heavy-hitting tune, Never Loved, in 2022. Then, they followed it up with the heartfelt, slower song Tomorrow, which showcased their depth from the jump. 

“Our writing style varies, but I’d put us in the umbrella that is alternative guitar rock,” said the lead vocalist, Jack Leavy. 

With a mix of punchy drums complementing the anger in Leavy’s voice, you can hear the energy and passion that the likes of Wunderhorse and Fontaine’s D.C are sculpting this new wave of alternative rock with. 

The band first came into the limelight in 2023 when they supported Jacob Slaters, Wunderhorse throughout their UK and Ireland shows. The band has also previously supported the Goo Goo Dolls. 

Leavy regarded this as an “Invaluable experience touring with Wunderhorse. Watching them grow and develop has definitely been an inspiration to us.”

Off the back of this, the band was booked for a summer of Festivals including Electric Picnic, All Together Now, and Mutations. 

In 2024, the band released their Debut EP, Dirty White Lies, produced by Thom Lewis. Lewis previously created two of Newcastle’s finest, Sam Fender’s Albums. 

The EP showcases their development in such a short space of time. Songs like TIAY grab you from the get-go and invite you to stay. 

Hot Press praised the group as “one of the most exciting young rock bands to emerge in Ireland in aeons.”

The band toured throughout Ireland and Britain, showcasing their new EP last summer, gaining attention in cities for their grungy style, attached to their deep lyrics.

“We’re just confident in what he can do and try to bring that energy to each gig we play, whether it’s big or small, we’re giving the best we can and trying to get our sound heard,” said Leavy.

Fast forward to this year, and the band is just days away from releasing their second EP titled Bitter and Twisted. Throughout the past few weeks, they have been slowly pre-releasing some of the tracks for fans to get a feel for the new music. 

The latest release, Burn, highlights the classic Basht feel of a looming story of lyrics told over a gritty backdrop of some sick guitar.

An electric gig in Whelan’s kick-started their Bitter and Twister tour, and there’s no sign of it slowing down as they plan on touring around the UK and finishing with two nights in Paris.

“The main goal is to promote our upcoming EP, Bitter and Twisted. We love playing across the UK, and our proper excited to play in Newcastle for the first time this summer as it’s where we recorded our Dirty White Lies EP,” said Leavy.

You have to start somewhere, and Basht seems to be starting in the right place. Who knows, maybe Fontaine’s has paved the perfect path for the next big Irish alt-rock band to follow.