BANKS – III

The avant-pop singer is all about truth-telling…

BANKS is a formidable artist. Her creativity as an avant-pop singer merges with her vulnerability in a way that she’s now mastered, making music that’s as provocative as it is heart breaking (at times) – and she’s maintained this with her latest album.

The opening track, ‘Till Now’, is a declaration of sorts (“And you been messin’ me around ‘till now”) and sets the tone for how the rest of the album will unfold, while ‘Gimme’ – the album’s first single – is electrifying with its synth-heavy sound and futuristic, electronic production.

BANKS’ lyrics are as direct as ever (“You want me to stroke your ego”). She isn’t afraid to share her feelings with listeners.

‘Sawzall’ begins life as an acoustic, stripped back track with BANKS’ vocals stripped back too, creating a very truthful feeling song. In this spirit of honesty, ‘Look What You’re Doing To Me’ (feat. Francis and the Lights) is an upbeat track, about the exuberance of being in love. The production is eccentric, but it works.

‘Propaganda’ is an attention-grabber of a song, as is ‘The Fall’, which exudes passion in its delivery. The final two tracks ‘Made of Water’ and ‘What About Love’ are soft, soulful tracks, both tinged with sadness. ‘What About Love’ is a beautiful ending to the record.

BANKS is ever-evolving and ‘III’ is definitely a progression for her as an artist. The more upbeat tracks are interspersed among softer, more delicate, heartfelt ones that represent the duality of her personality and also increase its replay value. 

8/10

Words: Narzra Ahmed

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