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Predictably unpredictable, Banks Arcade refuse to slow down and return once again with their fantastic new six-track EP A Muse. Against the considerably more frantic, chaotic and psychotic nature of their earlier 2024 drop Death 2, the Melbourne-based quartet now share a noticeably more focused, deliberate and introspective release. Without losing their signature relentless energy and youthful passion, Banks Arcade have grown and developed immensely in less than half a year, and their latest offering easily presents the most balanced, self-aware and grounded side we have seen and heard from them so far.
In 2020, Banks Arcade premiered their their volatile, mid-pandemic EP Fever Dreams as one of Oceania's brightest future talents, and four years later, with their faultless 2022 debut LP Future Lovers, the unforgettable standalone single 'Chosen' and their recent Death 2 EP all out now, the metal scene's favourite boyband have cemented their brand as one of the freshest and most exciting musical exports from Down Under. Their latest A Muse does not offer anything outside of their comfort zone, but when that zone falls right at the colourful intersection of punchy modern metalcore, carefully blended electronics, balanced nu metal undertones and grunge aesthetics, it is bound to be worthy of attention and hype.
If you are already a fan of Banks Arcade or have joined the growing cult recently, you are in for yet another treat. If you are new to the party, brace yourself for a thrilling ride through the best features, influences and tropes of the contemporary heavy music scene without all convoluted release strategies, marketing plans, social media fanatism or just general pretentious bs. New or old, everyone is welcome as we get to experience another no-skip drop by a band that have meticulously crafted their sound, message and presence to perfection - simple, uncompromising, unfiltered, engaging, accessible, fresh, fun. Four years in, this band simply cannot miss and won't take a break from dropping bangers. Ten seconds into the EP and we are already vibing to Joshua O'Donnell's alluring chant as he leads us into the opening single 'Alive'. Twenty more and that trademarked unstoppable Banks Arcade party is fully on with a flurry of frantic drum beats and anxious riffage, before the song hits the 1:30 mark and culminates in an intimate sing-along monologue that pretty much sums the EP's constant underlying tug of war between its expectedly furious, volatile and jittery side, and that newly found inner peace, quiet and content.
It is that same duality that underpins the grungy arena anthem 'Heartstop', the considerably more emotive and moody 'Faded AF', the indie rock effort 'Lost Cause', and the bouncy and fiery pit-starter 'No Future'. It is also that very same polarity that reaches its peak in the touchingly honest, retrospective and relatable confession in 'Self Help', which might not be Banks Arcade's most examplary song or beomce fan favourite just yet, but simultaneously acts as the sobering conversation with our future selves we all need, the subtle and symbolic counterpart to 'Alive', and A Muse's perfectly logical finale to end it all.
This EP marks the half point of a year that has been absolutely spectacular so far - on one side, mainly for the local Australian scene that has seen some of the freshest and boldest releases come out (including Banks Arcade's first 2024 drop), but on the other also for the state of the modern metal scene. Rules and borders are getting blurrier and weaker, and the results are bands like Banks Arcade that are allowed to let loose and put their best selves forward without any doubts are worries. The winners are all of us, enjoying yet another fantastic release to add to 2024's Hall of Fame on repeat, and waiting for the next.
Banks Arcade - 'A Muse' EP
Country: Australia
Released: 28 June 2024
Label: UNFD
Tracklisting:
1. 'Alive'
2. 'Heartstop'
3. 'Faded AF'
4. 'Lost Cause'
5. 'No Future'
6. 'Self Help'
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