“The Altar” is Banks’ second studio album since her debut album “Goddess” back in September 2014. (Photo courtesy of Harvest Records)
Kathryn Leeber
Connector Staff
Most artists feel comfortable sticking to one style of music, but as they grow, they might expand their sound. Jillian Banks, better known as simply Banks, has already displayed a willingness to move outside the comforts of pop music with only her second full length album.
“The Altar” could best be described as alternative pop, but there are many other elements that comprise the singer’s sophomore album. The record opens with “Gemini Feed,” a song about an unhealthy relationship filled with catchy beats to compliment Banks’ vocal range. The lyrics are very original and although the idea is nothing new, the style of the song is fresh. As with most songs on the album, there are layered vocals with various levels of sound and pitch.
“Lovesick” slows things down with a softer beat and more mellow vocals. Despite being more of a dull song about love, the sound flows with the album. A lot of the songs off this record are about love in some way or another, but it is done in a way that is not repetitive. “Mind Games” and “Trainwreck,” the subsequent songs, are some of the best tracks off the record. They are so catchy, with complex instrumentations that are filled with unique backing sounds. In addition, Banks vocal talents are really put on display in these songs. Not only does her range shine through, but the lyrics are so different and flow incredibly well overall.
While most of the songs before “Trainwreck” seem to align with the sounds of pop and alternative music, “Trainwreck” is the first track to break away from that sound. Banks is more so rapping than singing in this song and the instrumentation is very similar to that of rap music. In an interview with Refinery29, she describes the lyrics as a “stream of consciousness thing” and that is very much the vibe that is felt when listening to the song. Banks sings confidently and unapologetically, “You try to compensate / For thinking with your one brain I should decapitate / You showed me all your letters that I should’ve confiscated / Both of my eyes were weighted, I had to get away.” Lyrically, the ideas seem more personal to Banks than they are relatable to everyone, but the accompanying instrumental work is incredible.
The next few songs are quite slow, and while they fit with the album, they are not as memorable as the faster, beat-filled songs. “Judas” picks the speed back up, but it is still not one of the best songs. Again, the instrumentals are reminiscent of rap beats and are very enjoyable, but the lyrics are not that great. As with most songs on the album, the verses are what make the songs, rather than the chorus. The chorus in Judas is incredibly basic with Banks singing twice “Judas, hey / Oh, oh, Judas, hey.” In the rap-like verses, Banks is heard singing complex phrases with a sort of strain in her voice that actually conveys a lot of emotion. Although a very catchy song, lyric-wise it lacks.
“Haunt” features more tropical-beats and bongo drums to make for an interesting instrumental component. The song is about a broken relationship and is a little boring with an all-too common theme and almost monotone sounding vocals. I understand this is the style of Banks as a singer, but with so much variation in her voice in the other songs, it just does not work to have a lack of range in this song.
The album closes out with “27 Hours,” a haunting song about the darkness of people and in Banks herself. This song is another example of a dull chorus, but it seems to work with this song. The chorus is not drawn out like in other tracks, but it is quick and effective. Overall, this is not a complex song but it is really powerful and the hip hop beats and style are what make it so effective. Given the theme of the song, the emotion and power in Banks voice makes for an effective and enjoyable track.
Despite a strong start to the album, Banks falls a bit flat near the end. The fresh and innovative instrumentals save the album to an extent, and even with some flaws, is still a unique and enjoyable album. Covering a range of genres is quite difficult to master, especially within one album, but Banks does a great job of sticking to her distinguishable sound while attempting to branch out.
