& (Ampersand)

Bastille, the band not the French holiday, have teamed up with the mysterious and enigmatic (Ampersand) for their latest album collaboration. But does this musical partnership hit the high notes or fall flat? From the opening track, it's clear that Bastille & (Ampersand) are not afraid to experiment with their sound. The album is a rollercoaster of genres, from electro-pop to indie rock, with a sprinkling of hip-hop and even a touch of country thrown in for good measure. It's like a musical buffet that keeps you on your toes, never quite sure what's coming next. One standout track is "Electric Dreams", a pulsating electro-pop anthem that will have you dancing around your living room like no one's watching. The infectious energy of this song is just one example of the magic that happens when Bastille and (Ampersand) join forces. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows on this album. Some tracks feel a bit disjointed and lack the cohesion that you would expect from such seasoned musicians. It's almost like they're trying too hard to be different, and in doing so, they lose sight of what makes a great song. Overall, Bastille & (Ampersand) is a bold and ambitious project that shows flashes of brilliance but ultimately falls short of being a masterpiece. It's worth a listen for fans of both artists, but don't expect to be blown away. Verdict: 6.5/10