Banks Arcade – ‘Death 2’ [Review]

Review: Luke Petty 

Buckle up, metalheads and genre-bending enthusiasts, because Banks Arcade’s latest offering, “Death 2,” is a rollercoaster that’s equal parts exhilarating and introspective. This six-track EP, released February 2nd, is a bold departure from their previous work, delving into the darkest corners of their musical psyche and emerging with a sound that’s both ferocious and strangely beautiful.

From the opening track, “Worship The Internet,” the band throws you headfirst into a frenzy of distorted guitars, glitchy electronics, and Joshua O’Donnell’s  raw, visceral vocals. It’s a chaotic anthem for the digital age, a commentary on our obsession with technology and the anxieties that come with it.

But “Death 2” is more than just aggression. Tracks like “Sentimental” and “Killing Games” showcase the band’s ability to weave moments of vulnerability and melody into their tracks. “Sentimental” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that grapples with loss and the fragility of life, while “Killing Games” is a pulsating dancefloor banger with a dark undercurrent.
Throughout the EP, Banks Arcade seamlessly blends genres, defying easy categorization. There are elements of metal, punk, hip-hop, and even pop, all woven together with a masterful sense of experimentation. This diversity keeps the listener constantly engaged, never knowing what’s coming around the next corner.

“Death 2″ is not an easy listen. It’s a raw, unflinching exploration of the darkest aspects of human experience. But for those willing to embrace its darkness, it’s also a deeply rewarding one. This is an album that challenges you, forces you to confront your own demons, and ultimately emerges with a glimmer of hope.

The highlight of the album for me was “Change,” nestled amidst the chaos, “Change” stands as a captivating anomaly. While the rest of the EP delves into external anxieties and shadows, “Change” turns the introspective lens inward, dissecting a toxic relationship fueled by fleeting obsession and the allure of fame.

“Death 2” is a triumph for Banks Arcade. It’s a bold, innovative, and emotionally charged EP that cements their place as one of the most exciting bands in the current musical landscape. If you’re looking for something fresh, something that will challenge your expectations and leave you wanting more, then “Death 2” is essential listening.

DEATH 2 EP – DUE OUT FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY
https://banksarcade.lnk.to/Death2