Goddess by Banks – review

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Although Goddess is Banks’ debut album, her alluring voice is already widely recognised. Banks’ sound had long been intriguing to well-established DJs such as Kaytranada and Snakehips, and it was the Snakehips version of her single Warm Water that propelled her into the alternative-pop world. Describing her own music as “dark bluish black with… fire and heart”, she has a Lana Del Rey broodiness and certain resonances of The Weeknd. Heartbreak, desire and fragmented relationships are recurrent themes on the record. The lyrics are intensely intimate, possessing a frail vulnerability. The beats are slow and pulsating.

Although officially released in September, Banks has been teasing out singles from the album over the summer. Released earlier this year, the titular track Goddess showcases Banks’ girly, rhapsodic voice crooning over a rich, sonorous bassline. This Is What It Feels Like is a transgressive, slinky pop tune accompanied by an ethereal music video.

Midway through the album, Banks’ sultry voice begins to lose its mystique due to lack of variety. Eighteen tracks of synth-pop can be dizzying to listen to straight through, and so many accounts of heartbreak verges on pathetic. Many of her tracks are enhanced when she collaborates with other artists: the best renditions of Drowning are the remixes by Love Thy Brother and Lido. Banks herself promotes those versions that add something different “but keep the soul of the song”. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs features on Bedroom Wall, a track on the deluxe edition of Goddess. This enchanting and atmospheric lovesong makes purchasing the deluxe edition worthwhile.

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