Haunting bass lines and punchy lyrics come together with mesmerising effect.

The dark blend of R&B and pop that characterises BanksÔÇÖs sound is an example of a new breed of solo artist. The LA born singer, Jillian Banks began to cause a stir amongst critics last year having already worked with the likes of Totally Extinct Dinosaurs on tracks such as ÔÇÿWarm WaterÔÇÖ. The mix of throbbing bass with BanksÔÇÖs alluring vocals creates a fragile, flawlessly produced sound marking her out as an artist to watch. The release of tracks such as ÔÇÿWaiting GameÔÇÖ and ÔÇÿDrowningÔÇÖ continued to keep Banks at the forefront of new music ahead of the anticipated release of her debut album ÔÇÿGoddessÔÇÖ earlier this month.

A year on and the smooth R&B weaved with fragility still sounds as charming as her earlier tracks. The album seamlessly blends the underlying vulnerability of falling in and out of love, with the creeping waves of darkness each track moves between. The stand out tracks include previous successes and also feature new songs such as the stripped back piano riffs of ÔÇÿYou Should Know Where IÔÇÖm Coming FromÔÇÖ. The almost effortless blend of JillianÔÇÖs husky vocals with the mid-tempo, dreamy backing tracks continues to show her strong potential as a solo artist. Although, at times the wallowing lyrics can borderline on feeling overly cultivated, the intense sense of broodiness that creeps over you throughout results in a beautifully crafted, well-rounded debut album.

The fresh take on R&B offers an exciting sense of ambiguity and vulnerability, as the haunting bass lines and punchy lyrics come together with mesmerising effect. The whole album incorporates JillianÔÇÖs raw emotion and impressive vocal range. Despite at times becoming lost in the slightly depressive reeling the ending tracks lean towards, ‘Goddess’ positions her as an artist not to be dismissed.