A Goddess Rising From the Sea: Listen to BANKS New Single “Drowning”

I cannot think of a single more highly anticipated debut album than BANKS’ Goddess. We’ve already heard a total of six tracks from the album, including the title track, which just makes the September 8th release date seem like an eternity away.

Her latest single “Drowning” is a scornfully sincere reflection of a bittersweet break-up. It’s far more mature than the break-up anthems of Kelly Clarkson or Taylor Swift and far less despairing than Adele’s. “From the girl who made you soup and tied your shoes when you were hurting / you were not deserving,” she curtly sings in the chorus.

Al Shux deserves credit for producing the beats. The muffled, drowning vocal samples and dark, atmospheric synths reflect the smooth, suffocating feeling of the relationship. They throb behind her strong, sultry vocals, ready to submerge her the second she falters.

Although she’s singing about “drowning,” the song is empowering. There’s no self-blame, victimization, or hostility towards her ex. She knows he’s “gonna get some bad karma.” She doesn’t need to spew hatred or wallow in self-pity, because, as she so clearly explains in her title track, she’s a “Goddess.”

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