Punktastic Online Zine / Website: July 2009
Bastion – Consequences (Home Of The Brave Records – 2009)

"This song is not going to change the world," Bastion proclaim on 'No Way Jose'. And they're right. It won't. About 12 years ago I would have adored this record. I would have been 17 and just discovering all the good stuff (fast and furious melodic hardcore straight outta the SoCal scene) and I would have lapped this up a treat. It reminds me a bit of Good Riddance, in places the vocal melodies kind of remind me of Agnostic Front, even though sonically they're miles apart. I guess the closest comparable band is maybe You Me And The Atom Bomb. Anyway, this record is choc-full of punk rock anthems, sung with a strong throaty swagger and lots of alcohol-fueled singalongs. It's pop-punk for the punks, not the pop kids.

And for that reason it kind of passes me by a little bit. Many moons ago I would have lived and breathed this record, but I've mellowed out a little bit in my (relative) old age and as a result I find this a little tired and dated. It's still passionate and emotive and for that the band deserve your attention, but I don't think too many people outside the strong DIY circle that will obviously love this record will be converted. Not because it's bad - because it's actually very good - but it's limited in what it does.

"This song is all about being punk, this song is all about being DIY" the band sing*. The whole album is testament to this ethos and for that alone is well worthy of a listen. For me, well my tastes have changed. I know the 17-year-old in me would have given this 10/10 but I can't hack it any more. If you like Chillerton and all of those quality south-coast bands then Bastion are definitely the band for you.

3/5 stars

*actually for the record we don't - it's 'this song is NOT about....." Ah well!

**Well, pretty good too, probably a pretty fair appraisal - Thanks Punktastic People**