PREMIERE: Dublin rockers BASHT. tackle toxic relationships in 'Never Love' video

Rising young Dublin outfit BASHT. are releasing the video for debut single ‘Never Love’, which the team here at Hot Press is delighted to premiere.

The video stars Maya O'Shea, and was directed by Conor Ryan and Koleman Angle - with cinematography by James Collins and production design by Jamie Laffan.

Formed during the depths of Ireland’s Covid-19 lockdown, BASHT. (comprising Jack Leavey, Sam Duffy, Louis Christle and Luke O’Neill - aged between 20 and 23) have already cultivated a dedicated following on Dublin’s live music scene. In case you were wondering, the name is a derivative from the word "unabashed" or unashamed ("In my mind, BASHT. is about humility and confidence, and vulnerability all in one," Jack says).

The band combines a fascinating mix of styles, incorporating intimate lyricism, new-wave bass tones, hip-hop drum beats and raw guitar riffs into their tunes.

The four-piece have been identified by music business insiders as one of the most exciting young rock bands to emerge in Ireland in aeons. The single, which recalls the pioneering sounds of The Strokes, Bloc Party, The Killers, the Velvet Underground and Lou Reed, also sees BASHT. set out their original stall in impressive style. Despite their eclectic influences, the band are eager to define themselves as simply rock 'n' roll.

The band don't shy away from darkness in either 'Never Love' – which is raw and yet compulsively catchy and immensely compelling – or its accompanying video.

“It’s the story of every person that’s been trapped, ignored or abused by a partner,” explains BASHT. lead singer Jack Leavey. “It’s acknowledging the messy reality of how someone can be so madly in love with an abuser that they really struggle to regain control of their own life and escape that cycle of pain.

“I think everyone in Ireland knows someone that has gone through something like that and it’s about trying to understand and support them. I’ve always felt there’s a story inside my head somewhere and I’m not necessarily the protagonist, but more of a voyeur to the situations.”

Essential to the success of the band’s sound is a hugely impressive level of musicianship.

“You can immediately hear that these guys know what they’re at,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said of the emerging act. “It is early days of course, but there are times when the first record is enough to set the the pulse racing – and this is one of them. 'Never Love’ is a brilliant single, which has in it intimations of long-term greatness. BASHT. also sound like a fine live proposition, made for a big festival stage. This really could be the start of something big."

The band previously played The Workman’s Cellar in Dublin on March 12th, in a gig promoted by Aiken Promotions, as well as doing a turn at the Sound House. The enthusiasm for BASHT.'s live shows got the act booked to play at Forbidden Fruit this coming June.

“BASHT., to me, is about going against what is expected and cutting through the sludge of the bedroom pop era," says lead guitarist Sam Duffy.

A busy summer lies ahead for the breakout lads – stay tuned for more and check out the video for 'Never Love' below...