
New Zealand transplants Banks Arcade made a big splash into our lives this year with their scorcher of a single 'Don't Start', the first from their signing to UNFD. Honestly, if you haven't got around this track, what are you even doing with your life? Much like their EP, Fever Dreams, this track is a surreal mix of pop and metal — it perfectly captures the overall vibe of music in 2021.
There's all the evidence that Banks Arcade's influences are swimming in the current wavelength of today's music stars. But while we think these boys are the sound you need in your ears, vocalist Joshua O'Donnell took us threw into what was the vibe in his own ears this year...
TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2021
#10 James Blake - Friends That Break Your Heart
#9 Halsey - If I Can’t Have Love I Want Power
#8 Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
#7 Vildhjarta - Masstaden Under Vatten
#6 Turnstile - Glow ON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdJZlmhQXug
#5 Kanye West - Donda
#4 Baby Keem - The Melodic Blue
#3 Rufus Du Sol - Surrender
#2 Yebba - Dawn
#1 Sleep Token - This Place Will Become Your Tomb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrxOL_j-o88
TOP 5 SONGS OF 2021?
#5 'He’s So Good' - Trash Boat
#4 'Trademark USA' - Baby Keem
#3 'Jail' - Kanye West
#2 'High Water' - Sleep Token
#1 'Alive' - Rufus Du Sol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7VveWeRwUU
BEST MUSIC VIDEO OF 2021?
'Die4u' - Bring Me The Horizon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPUUbVhvqrE
LAST GIG YOU PLAYED BEFORE COVID HIT?
Supporting Dregg at Howler
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RETURNING TO THE STAGE?
We are all so excited. We’ve been putting in so much work to level up over the period and we can’t wait.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW-dcLdJJCb/
HOW DID YOU STAY BUSY THROUGHOUT THE PAST TWO YEARS?
In some ways the lockdowns helped us to re-centre. It was the first time that we’d been able to put 100%
of our efforts towards music. Although it came with many struggles, we tried to make the most of it and
spent our time writing and levelling up for when we got out.
BEST ADVICE GOING INTO 2022?
Work as hard as you can, but don’t be too hard on yourself. This has been an incredibly unique situation
and everyone has been effected differently. Don’t beat yourself up if it takes more time than expected to
get back on your feet.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVPwBKzJB1k/
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022?
There’s so much that I’m looking forward to. Unify Gathering is pretty high on the list. I can’t wait to
show everyone this new music we’ve been sitting on and finally get up on that stage!
Written by Joshua O'Donnell @banksarcadejosh