Basht. were formed in Dublin in 2021 by vocalist and guitarist Jack Leavey, who had initially been looking for musicians to accompany a solo project. After meeting bassist Louis Christle, the two began developing the project as a band.
Their first EP, Dirty White Lies, was released in 2024, followed by Bitter and Twisted in 2025. The band toured the United Kingdom and Ireland and supported acts including Wunderhorse, DEADLETTER, Everything Everything and Miles Kane.
The lineup changed during this period. Lughaidh Armstrong-Mayock initially joined as a touring guitarist before becoming involved in the band's songwriting. Drummer Ryan McClelland subsequently joined, completing the four-member lineup in 2025.
Poor Advice (2026)
In April 2026, Basht. announced their debut studio album, Poor Advice, and released its lead single, "Perfume". The song was produced by Ali Chant. Leavey described its subject as a son looking back on the breakdown of his parents' marriage, with the lyrics also addressing the historical influence of the Catholic Church on private life in Ireland.
The band worked on material for the album while touring, developing songs during rehearsals and soundchecks. The recording sessions were undertaken with producer Ali Chant.
Poor Advice was released on 9 October 2026 through LAB Records. The ten-track album addresses institutional authority, religion and political conflict. In an interview with Hot Press, Leavey discussed the use of biblical imagery in the lyrics and the influence of contemporary conflicts on songs including "Terror TV" and "Circadia".
The album entered the Irish Albums Chart at number seven on 16 October 2026. It also debuted at number one on the Irish Independent Albums Chart.
Following the album's release, Basht. announced a headline tour of the United Kingdom beginning in October 2026 and a sold-out concert at the Button Factory in Dublin in November. Leavey's father had previously managed the venue when it was known as the Temple Bar Music Centre.
