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At the start of th year there were very few things that got me as excited as Banks Arcade's upcoming EP Death 2, and now that it is finally here I am thrilled to confirm it is an absolute beauty. Their previous album Future Lovers (2022) was a certified top 10 banger, all the singles that came out last year were a blast, so it is hardly a surprise that their latest drop with its glorious 6 tracks and 21 minutes is an unmissable top contender for release of the year, as early as it is. It really is that good and Banks Arcade are simply that great and this EP is just another proof of that that cannot be ignored any longer.
For several years now Banks Arcade have been one of the most underrated bands in the modern scene and I blame all of you for that borderline criminal neglect. Despite UNFD's backing in the last few year, and their extensive touring across Australia and beyond, Banks Arcade are yet to get the attention of larger crowds. All this said, they have been playing their cards very smart and this latest EP is just another well-timed, bold and purposeful step towards the top where they belong. With them it has always been a matter of time and Death 2 with its chaotic disregard of conventions might just be the special one.
Death 2 is a particularly powerful case in favour of EP releases and if the modern scene is slowly shifting in that direction, I would not be opposed it all future releases shared the same complete and concise sound in such short but impactful form. Much like Banks Arcade's previous releases, their lates creation is supercharged with energy, passion and variety, born from the darkest and most twisted parts of their minds where the lines between dreams, nightmares, anxieties and desires are blurry. It shows a near-juvenile disregard for rules to deliver a mature blend of modern metal foundation, nu metal angst, punk disobedience, hip hop grittiness, industrial frenzy, psychadelic aesthetic, and more.
Joshua O’Donnell remains at his best form, blending in his vocals the allure of iconic pop singers, the swagger of all proper rap artists, the ferocity of the finest metal frontmen. Speaking of fronting a modern heavy band, he is actually one of the very few nowadays that embodies the idea of the music celebrity that combines not just talent and range, but charisma, sex appeal, confidence. We often talk about the likes of Noah Sebastian, Courtney LaPlante, Oli Sykes, Sam Carter, even Ronnie Radke, but it wouldnt be that far-fetched to place Joshua O’Donnell amongs those heavyhitters and with him at the helm you can bet Banks Arcade are one international hit from getting the crowds raving.
Death 2 gives us six tracks with equal importance and magnificence. The EP opens with the lead single 'Worship the Internet', dropping a hefty mix of sick riffs, pulsating breakbeats and memorable hooks to set the stage for the psychotic two new tracks 'Sentimental' and 'Roulette', the latter backed with a fittingly frantic and unmissable video. Next in line is the raving and electrified 'More Want' with its smooth mid-track transition marking a symbolic change in tone for the entire EP leading towards the anthemic, rocky rager 'Killing Games' and the nu metal excellence 'Change' to wrap up this masterpiece. A flurry of styles, moods and expressions delivered in the most rational and captivating way possible.
In the age of artistic replication and exhaustion, we need to value originality, authenticity and determination wherever we spot it, and Death 2 is exactly the embodiment of that pure, raw and unfiltered expression that got us all hooked in that scene to begin with. As I write this the quartet are embarking on another tour with Northlane, ERRA and Landmvrks and while we can all admire the grandeur of this extraordinary transoceanic lineup, it is Banks Arcade that are bound to steal the show so you Aussie mofos better appreciate it!
Banks Arcade - 'DEATH 2' EP
Country: Australia
Released: 2 February 2024
Label: UNFD
Tracklisting:
1. 'Worship the Internet'
2. 'Sentimental'
3. 'Roulette'
4. 'More Want'
5. 'Killing Games'
6. 'Change'
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