Albums to watch

The Altar

Banks

The Altar

Second album from OC alt R&B singer-songwriter Jillian Rose Banks, produced in part by Tim Anderson (Sam Sparro, Dizzee Rascal) and Al Shux (Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg)

ADM rating[?]

7.0

Label
Virgin EMI
UK Release date
30/09/2016
US Release date
30/09/2016
  1. 9.8 |   Sputnik Music (staff)

    The confidence on this album is inspired, observable, and the clear result of Banks' growth as a songwriter
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  2. 8.9 |   Gig Soup

    Shows that Jillian Banks is an aggressive and authoritative woman. She embraces her femininity in such a positive way that it’s inspiring not only to women but men as well
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  3. 8.0 |   The FT

    Another disastrous romantic entanglement is transformed into darkly entrancing dance-pop
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  4. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Banks is perfectly comfortable in her own skin and artistic abilities, and it shows immensely on The Altar
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  5. 8.0 |   All Music

    Her protective barriers are down and her insides are visible to anyone willing to look (or listen)
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  6. 8.0 |   DIY

    Discovering her true identity, LA star Banks also finds pop gold
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  7. 8.0 |   Q

    Few singers examine the pathology of heartbreak so expertly. Print edition only

  8. 7.5 |   Beardfood

    This is the angry, reckless record that deserves more than just one spin
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  9. 7.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Killer hooks, plus a real clarity and a “no fucks given” attitude make it an irresistible listen that’ll have you ready to take on the world
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  10. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    It’s by no means perfect, but it is her personal triumph
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  11. 7.0 |   Mixmag

    The LA singer is back with a no-bullshit attitude on her second album
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  12. 7.0 |   God Is In The TV

    A comfort blanket for the broken hearted. Wrap it around your heart – it will free your mind and soothe your soul. Honest
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  13. 7.0 |   Clash

    It still feels as if BANKS is fine-tuning her sound, and if ‘The Altar’ is anything to go by, she’s not quite there but she’s drawing closer to her pot of gold
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  14. 6.0 |   The Music

    The Altar experiments with distance, rhythm and a rainbow of distortion effects
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  15. 6.0 |   Mojo

    For every shallow, Banks stirs up a hidden depth. Print edition only

  16. 6.0 |   PopMatters

    The high points of The Altar are nearly perfect, but these are outnumbered by a massive middle section comprised of unremarkable, uninspired filler
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  17. 6.0 |   Exclaim

    This sophomore effort builds off her debut, but loses the plot in a mass of electronic blackness and vague grievances
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  18. 6.0 |   The Observer

    Strip away the tics and production fidgets and these songs aren’t hugely distinctive - they lack the arresting weirdness of artier peers such as FKA twigs
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  19. 6.0 |   Rolling Stone

    Banks' list of grievances can get wearying, but the music's dour detail is alluring too
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  20. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    An unconvincing 2016 pop moodboard
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  21. 4.6 |   Earbuddy

    It’s never easy to get a grasp on BANKS’ identity or even think of her as a real person. Rather we get a studio manufactured robot that’s wanting to be Rihanna and FKA Twigs
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Banks: The Altar

  • Download full album for just £11.49
  • 1. Gemini Feed £0.99
  • 2. Fuck With Myself £0.99
  • 3. Lovesick £0.99
  • 4. Mind Games £0.99
  • 5. Trainwreck £0.99
  • 6. This Is Not About Us £0.99
  • 7. Weaker Girl £0.99
  • 8. Mother Earth £0.99
  • 9. Judas £0.99
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  • 11. Poltergeist £0.99
  • 12. To The Hilt £0.99
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