★★★☆
Almost two years to the day since Banks dropped her debut albumGoddess,a brand new chapter has revealed itself within the 28-year-old Californian’s young career.
The Altar boasts 12 tracks that encompass balladry, contemporary hip-hop and tenacious EDM, all the while staying true to the flowing narrative style of lyricism that earned her a fan base.
Juxtaposition is rife, with Banks’ vulnerability showcased in piano-led ballad ‘To The Hilt’, while current buzz-single ‘Fuck With Myself’ contains sensual deliverance.
There are times where the spirit of her previous album shines through, such as with the warming softness of ‘Lovesick’. The track’s climbing beat and minimal soundscape allow you to bask in her words of admission and the acknowledgement of her feelings.
But for those moments, there is a Top 40 edge to the majority of this record. ‘Judas’ feels way too much up The Weeknd’s alley, and the production on ‘Trainwreck’ sounds like a cast-off from any one of the world’s current all-girl pop groups.
Banks and her glorious lyrical dissection is still there, just encased inside a shinier, radio-friendly exterior. Somehow it just doesn’t seem as genuine.
Banks’The Altar is out now and available throughEMI Music.
