“&” (Ampersand), Part Four

Released in August 2025, '&' (Ampersand), Part Four is the concluding chapter of Dan Smith's ambitious multi-part project exploring historical and mythological figures. Departing from the high-energy, cinematic pop that defined the band's 'Bad Blood' and 'Wild World' eras, this EP leans heavily into indie-folk and chamber-pop territories. The project is characterized by its use of the ampersand as a thematic bridge between two entities (e.g., Bonnie & Clyde, Leonard & Marianne). The latter half of the tracklist features live recordings from the ARTE session at Turner Contemporary, showcasing the band's ability to translate their usually dense vocal arrangements into a sparse, acoustic environment. Critics have noted this project as Smith's most lyrically dense work to date, moving away from personal confession toward narrative-driven songwriting inspired by his love of history and film.