After the release of their first album “Bad Blood” and the hit single “Pompeii,” British indie band Bastille has big shoes to fill with their second album, “Wild World.”

The album leads with the single “Good Grief” which is meant to be this album’s “Pompeii.” It has the same charm as its predecessor, with an infectiously catchy chorus and upbeat tunes.

Other stand-out songs include “Power,” “Campus” and “The Anchor.”

“Power” fits in perfectly with the rest of the album being slow in tempo but upbeat in attitude.

“Campus” and “The Anchor” are both featured on the deluxe version of “Wild World.” These tracks are a little more energized, being quicker and boasting more hopeful lyrics.

As for the rest of the album, after “Good Grief,” the songs quickly become less upbeat as “Wide World” continues into slower songs like “Glory” and “Two Evils.”

At this point in any other album, there would be a lull in quality, but “Wild World” avoids it. The tracks remain full and complex at all tempos, and lead singer Dan Smith uses this as an opportunity to really emphasize his vocal abilities.

Lyrically, this album is just as melancholy as the first. Smith often laments what could’ve been and opportunities missed; however, this is met with an equally cheery optimism in the lyrics and the music.

While slower than “Bad Blood,” the songs on “Wide World” maintain a bright attitude with a backdrop of dark lyrics.

Overall, I think this is the perfect follow up album to the original.

From their first album, Bastille changed their sound just enough to prove in the three years since “Bad Blood’s” release, they have evolved but not too much to where they become unrecognizable.

The distinct similarities but growth in sound of “Wild World” are perfect for any fan of Bastille and the “Bad Blood” era.