The third career studio album to come from Alex Banks finds the English DJ & producer return to Max Cooper’s Mesh imprint. Previously the label has released works from the likes of Om Unit, John Tejada, and Indian Wells, which alongside Cooper’s own achievements, have made it a highly sought after imprint in electronic music. Banks’ own catalogue also boasts a number of respectable outings, with past releases from him coming via both Ninja Tune and Monkeytown Records.
Produced in his Brighton-based studio throughout 2021, his new long player ‘Projections’ channels multiple genres into 9 brand new tracks which feature a range of sounds from straight forward electronica and slamming techno, to highly processed breaks and IDM. The colourful flow of mid to high frequency melodies contrasts perfectly against the dominating weight of the analogue basslines, with a generous spread of thumping kick drums and energetic vocal chops scattered throughout to finish things off. Every frequency band is along for the ride on this one, and Alex is the designated driver. The songwriting is expertly done, the sample choices are flawless, and everything in between is perfectly executed. If you find any major flaws on this one, then it must be down to personal preference, as outside of a few minor niggles, we can’t fault it much.
Where to start:
Introspective: Thought-provoking melodies and a huge analogue bassline
Recall Mindset: Thumping kick drums meet delay-drenched synth stabs
Resonate: Vibrant synth bass and echoing vocal chants come together
Previous from Alex Banks:
Beneath The Surface LP (2019, Mesh)
Illuminate LP (2014, Monkeytown Records)
If you like this then check out:
Indian Wells – No One Really Listens To Oscillators LP (2022, Mesh)
Rival Consoles – Overflow LP (2021, Erased Tapes)
Alex Banks – Projections LP is out now on Mesh.