Three years after her electronically robust sophomore outing,
The Altar, and
Banks has grown. On her aptly titled third set,
III, she continues her upward trajectory with improved vocals and production value, presenting a wiser version of herself with more mature lyrics focused on longing, love, and loss, and fresh, expansive atmospherics that toy with her usual alt-R&B stylings. There's a refreshed spirit coursing through
III that transforms her typically chilly and hypnotic aura into something grander. Whereas her first two releases maintained a fairly homogeneous, dark synth energy,
III features a number of surprises that elevate the effort to new heights in her catalog. Key collaborators help buffer her vision, with frequent
Kanye West sidemen
Hudson Mohawke ("Gimme") and
Francis and the Lights ("Look What You're Doing To Me"), R&B crooner
Miguel ("The Fall"), and
Adele/
Rihanna producer
Paul Epworth ("Hawaiian Mazes") contributing to a handful of highlights. In addition to the aforementioned "Gimme" and "Hawaiian Mazes," the throbbing "Stroke" features a late-song funk-bass injection that not only shifts the mood of the track, but also of the entire album. Later, the tribal "Alaska" and '80s synth pop gem "Propaganda" have the same effect, hinting at exciting new directions for future compositions. These creative bursts help
Banks deliver her most accomplished statement to date, a collection brimming with emotion, attitude, and unexpected delights. ~ Neil Z. Yeung