The Ultimate Indie-Pop Anthem
"Pompeii" was the breakout hit for Bastille in 2013, instantly recognizable by its choral "Eh, eh-oh" opening. While it sounds deceptively simple, Dan Smith’s vocal performance requires agility. The song demands a singer who can navigate a warm, lower register in the verses and quickly switch to a powerful, forward-placed belt in the chorus.
The song is driven by rhythm. To score high, you need to lock into the percussion and ensure your diction is crisp, especially during the faster pre-chorus lines. Let's break down the techniques required to master this track.
AI Coach Tip: British Vowels
Dan Smith uses a specific vowel modification. On the line "and the walls kept tumbling down," try shaping the word "walls" more like "woh-ls" with a vertically dropped jaw. This creates the signature dark resonance of the track.
Phase 1: The Chant (Intro & Chorus Backing)
The "Eh, eh-oh, eh-oh" motif appears throughout the song. This should not be sung breathy. Use a "calling" voice with forward placement in your mask (the front of your face). This ensures the chant cuts through the mix without straining your throat.
Phase 2: The Low Verses (0:15 - 0:45)
The verse melody ("I was left to my own devices...") sits in the A2-C#3 range. This is the "danger zone" for pitch accuracy.
- Support: Many singers lose energy here, leading to vocal fry. Keep your core engaged even on the quiet notes.
- Tone: Keep the sound warm and conversational. Don't push too hard; let the microphone amplify you.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt (0:52 - 1:25)
The energy explodes on "But if you close your eyes." You are jumping up to an E4 and F#4. This is the transition point (passaggio) for many male singers.
To hit the F#4 safely, do not yell. Use a "mixed voice"—a blend of chest resonance and head voice release. Think of sending the sound up and over your soft palate. The lyrics are dense here ("Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all"), so breath management is key. Snatch a quick breath after "eyes" and "all."
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal belts up to an F#4 (on "close your eyes"). However, the backing vocals and falsetto ad-libs reach a C#5.
The A2 in the verses might feel weak for higher Tenors. Singing Coach AI allows you to transpose the track +2 semitones to make the verses shine without making the chorus impossible.
It's all about the "yodel" or "flip." Dan Smith often flips into head voice at the very end of phrases. Practice relaxing your vocal cords abruptly to get that stylized break.
