Bastille at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

“I’m shitting myself,” jokes Dan Smith of Bastille mid-way through his show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. It is the only UK stop on a run of shows to celebrate the singer’s side project “&” (Ampersand), a four-part album released in what should have been the band’s year off.

It seems his bandmates got the memo, their vocalist not so much. Taking to the stage with seven musical friends – many of whom worked on the album – the frontman explores new territory in one of London’s most iconic venues. The record is written as a collection of stories, each dedicated to a pair of people or pair of ideas that are often misunderstood or neglected by mainstream media, and allows the singer to lean into a more acoustic sound. As the glossy production that Bastille have become known for is stripped back, Smith’s incredible vocal ability and intricate penmanship are laid bare. Showcasing a range that moves effortlessly from tender falsettos to powerful belts, he delivers a masterclass in utilising one’s voice.

Opener Intros & Narrators, the first track on “&”, introduces the evening ahead as Smith croons “So take a walk with me through these lives”. What follows is a full play of the record with a few non-album delights thrown in. An unexpected addition of Good Grief, the poppy 2016 single from Bastille’s discography, is a highlight of the evening. Reworked into a stunning ballad, the rendition allows supporting band members an opportunity to show off their own vocal chops. As the song ends, the sombre facade lifts for a second, with the audience bursting into whoops and cheers. While the Bastille frontman may be the appeal for most here tonight, his accompanying musicians work like a well-oiled machine. Many are multi-skilled and switch between instruments throughout the evening. Smith, trying to hold his own, moves between keyboard and guitar. A surprise guest, Bim, joins onstage for The Soprano & Her Midnight Wonderings. Elevating the evening with her ethereal voice, Smith takes the backseat to allow his counterpart to shine.

Closing out the show with the euphoric Blue Sky & The Painter the mood shifts dramatically. The amber-hued stage lighting is replaced with a bright blue glow, mirroring the hopefulness of the song’s subject matter. Clearly a moment of catharsis, the song is received with a standing ovation as the set draws to an end.

Raw, intimate and deeply human, Smith proves that even without the bright lights and big production, his music resonates profoundly. For fans and newcomers alike, tonight serves as a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and a celebration of storytelling at its finest.

Katherine Parry
Photos: Guifre de Peray

For further information and future events visit Bastille’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Blue Sky & The Painter here: