New Zealand-natives Banks Arcade are the fresh dose of modern heavy we all called for.
Reflecting on their ambitious beginnings out of Auckland just a handful of years ago, vocalist Joshua O’Donnell shares that the first lyrics the group penned together were “I always wanted to make history.” Heard on the single they would eventually title “Ambition,” this sentiment has carried through in every highly considered creative move the band has made since.
From their compelling visuals and stage presence to their boundary-pushing sound, this history-making urge is evident from all angles of the Banks Arcade camp. Making strides is in Banks Arcade’s DNA, and it’s this unshakable sense of vision and resolve that’s taken the group to new heights on each release.
Following their 2018 debut EP Endnote, the band backed it up with 2020’s Fever Dreams, spawning colossal singles like “Sick” and “Drown,” while amassing over 1 million streams. Snapping all sorts of industry attention in its wake, the five-piece were soon signing deals with UNFD and Future History Management (Holding Absence, Loathe, Sleep Token +), and building a worldwide booking team comprising Select Music (AU/NZ), Sound Talent (The Americas) and United Talent (ROW). With “Don’t Start” and “Smile” acting as just the intro to their forthcoming debut record, Banks Arcade are poised to firmly cement their history-making status before too long.
