Banks has risen through the ranks and into our attention through the social media spectrum with Soundcloud and a probably unsurprising raging fanbase of teenage girls. Her moody vocals, sullen lyrics and pristine production from some the scene's best has finally produced a debut album 'Goddess', with singles Waiting Game, Goddess and latest release Beggin For Thread all making a reappearance.
As soon as I begin the album, it's hard not to notice the brilliant production which underlays the track. Her voice also follows just as well. Citing as to be inspired by great female trailblazers before her such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, it surely explains her soulful tone. Alibi sets the tone of the album. With hints of a underlying tone of ultimate LA girl sass, its lyrics support, 'Convince me I'm not a monster/Give me one excuse'. Whereas Goddess, however takes a slight detour and goes all sultry. It fits into Banks' usual theme of adolescent moodiness and slight sex appeal quite comfortably.
The middle of the album somewhat falls down the more sombre route which comes as a bit of a surprising gear change after its sinewy start. Banks shows her more feeble side; a side of vulnerability. An endearing move or a typical one? Tracks like Change, Someone New and You Should Know Where I'm Coming From all are tracks which definitely slot into the blub-into-your-pillow category. Brain is a more scream-the-lyrics-whilst-trying-not-to-cry sort of one and This Is What It Feels Like is formulated of a stimulating back-beat production and a immediate catchy chorus. All perfect for the market which is the teenage girl. Banks knows her fanbase well, because she was and probably is still just like them.
Another gripe is the length of the album. It was probably a few tracks too long. Yet, that is completely forgotten about when you look back at the gems of the album which pray testament to the brilliant new scene of R&B we're seeing at the moment. A ballsy and an enigmatic debut to fit an engaging artist.
8.5/10
Standout tracks: 'Alibi' 'This Is What It Feels Like' 'Brain'
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