Bastille “&” (AMPERSAND) - Part One

After a year or so in their respective quiet corners of the United Kingdom, Bastille comes back with “&” (Ampersand) that was released on July 26, 2024. The collection of songs has a warmth of the sessions of One Eyed Jack’s with the thematic topics that Bastille are so well known for. Dan Smith says that these are like the introspective sibling of the Other People’s Heartaches records that were released ages ago. I have waited until I had a block of time uninterrupted to sit and listen and take it all in. Laying in bed thinking about what the future holds for me; I decided to watch Seasons & Narcissus and what a beautifully work of art and an homage to end of seasons. Dan picks up on the main character moments he mentions in the lead song “Intros & Narrators”. Every single release on part one is a literary audiophile painting as the characters in myths, legends of authors and historical figures in time are easily recognizable. 

Every single person contributing to this collection are all so wonderfully talented and I can’t wait to see what the other parts have to offer listeners. The artwork is simple yet gives so much emotion and accompany the song lyrics and the visuals of the collection in such an ethereal way. You can see just how good time away from the spotlight and touring stages have been to the band because they just get so much better. Plus he talks about Emily Dickinson and I always think about Hailey Steinfield’s depiction of her. She plays such a robust and feisty version of Emily Dickinson. And Smith does a great job to pay his respects and put credit to where it’s due on her literary name. Giving her flowers along the way. 

Smith also learned how to play guitar too; something that he teased in the WHAT YOU WAITING FOR video and performance giving that edgy lead singer rocker look a refreshed view. Oh and his dedication to the “&” project was impeccable as he saw an opportunity in the Sargasso Sea whilst there on a GreenPeace UK expedition to record “Intros & Narrators” in just 30 minutes. Seeing his dedication to the craft is mental yet made me glued to the screen until the very last second. Oh and seeing the drone pull back to an open seas is WIDELY mental. I do not know how Smith mustered up the courage to float in the sea in the Bermuda Triangle. Glad he came back to the boat. 

If part one is any indication of how beautiful and emotionally charged the “&” (AMPERSAND) collection is. Then we are in for a real treat because this would sit pretty in the top three of my album of the year.