Bastille Present & - Vinilo Out-Of-Store Event
You know how Taylor Swift once declared, "We declare that Charlie should be a bigger artist"? Well, I’d like to extend that sentiment to Bastille as well.
With only three “out-of-store experiences” for their latest album promotion, I felt incredibly lucky to attend one. This particular experience, a Vinilo out-of-store event, made me feel a deeper connection as a fan. When Dan Smith, the lead singer, mentioned that “no one else had heard this song outside of recording it,” I couldn’t help but feel smug knowing I had heard a track the rest of the world wouldn’t hear until next week. And let me tell you, it was an amazing song—it was even about burning down a nunnery! That feeling of exclusivity left me on a high, and I’ll be riding it until the album drops.
Listening to the album in that intimate setting was incredibly special. This album is raw and brimming with substance. It reminded me of my 14-year-old self, hearing “Flaws” for the first time and listening to it on the train, rain streaking down the window. Yes, I’ve always been a little dramatic, but this album has that same emotional pull.
Dan emphasised how important it was for this album to feel real and raw. He wanted to leave in the natural elements, like the sound of breathing or rain on the roof during recording sessions, because the stories in the songs are about such extraordinary, almost mythical, people. Yet, these raw touches made them feel more human and relatable like they weren’t placed on a pedestal or written for philosophers. They were stories anyone could connect with.
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, love stories, or folk tales, this album is definitely for you. Each song is crafted with care, retelling these ancient tales with a fresh perspective, wrapped in rich melodies and interesting storytelling. One song that really stuck with me was “Telegraph Road 1977 & 2024” which explores the idea that we don’t know who will carry our stories forward or how we’ll be remembered. It’s haunting in the best way.
Dan also reminded us how wonderfully funny he can be. He shared hilarious anecdotes, like the time they sang “There Is No God Up Above” while performing in a church. He effortlessly balanced humour with meaningful insights, pulling back the curtain on the stories behind the songs and adding even more depth to the experience.
As a bonus, we were treated to a stripped-back version of "Pompeii." It was the perfect way to honour both their new music and the foundation that built their fanbase. Bastille definitely understood the assignment—pushing forward while paying respect to their past.
The album “&” is out next week on the 25th of October. Buy your copy now here. I personally recommended the vinyl as there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes content and context for the album. There’s also a podcast if you’re craving more content and that extra level, that explains and deep dive into each song one by one and the person it’s about for context - Muses: An Ampersand Podcast: link here