MOBO Award winning trailblazer Jacob Banks has released his new project Yonder: Book II, the second instalment in an ambitious three-part anthology series. It features the new focus track Blind, which has already picked up 6 Music airplay from Chris Hawkins and Craig Charles, and comes ahead of his upcoming Yonder European headline tour which calls at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town.
Jacob Banks
Whereas Book I saw Banks apply his sumptuous soulful vocal to modern sounds inspired by Motown and ‘70s Afrobeat, Book II sees him embracing the creative sonics and unorthodox influences from a broad array of alternative sounds. Opening track Blind offers the ideal initiation into this fresh approach. Narrating an experience of being lost within love’s surprises, the track opens with a contrast between grinding, manipulated sounds and the stark beauty of piano. Yet as Jacob’s voice seemingly effortlessly blends raw passion and utmost expression, underpinned by gospel vocals, it thunders into a dramatical, cacophonous wall-of-sound.
Banks says: “Book II is a meeting of worlds that have both been dear to me, my love of soul music and my love of alternative music.” Listen here.
The project’s second track All Aboard takes the polar opposite approach, a moment of introspective soul-searching with nowhere to hide in its sparse acoustic guitar accompaniment. Something New then heads into alt R&B territory, with the Nigerian-born English singer ruminating on whether to stick with a relationship or gamble on finding something more life-affirming. Book II subsequently takes a leftfield turn on Move Like Me, with the detuned guitars and clattering percussion giving a contemporary feel to a song that otherwise echoes the late Rodriguez. Finally, You Like I Love It closes this instalment with a gentle, uplifting finale.
All five Book II songs were solely written by the Birmingham-hailing singer-songwriter, who co-produced two tracks with Sillkey (Mabel, Dermot Kennedy, Pa Salieu). The set also features production from Pantha (Emeli Sandé, Wretch 32) and Gavin Powell (Jake Isaac, Stormzy). Expect news of Book III to follow in the near future.
Jacob Banks’ fusion of sounds won him a devoted audience, building from early projects such as The Monologue and into his acclaimed 2018 debut album Village which features signature songs Chainsmoking, Slow Up and Unknown (To You). His second record, Lies About The War, amplified his artistic vision. Also an in-demand collaborator, Banks has worked with artists including Chase & Status, Adekunle Gold, Seinaboy Sey, LP Giobbi, Avelino, Nas and Ghetts.
His voice presents a towering presence at live shows, which have included London headline gigs at the Roundhouse and the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire as well as festivals such as Coachella, Latitude, SXSW and Austin City Limits. His abilities are showcased in last year’s Our Time Together: The Live Album. Next up is his Yonder European headline tour which culminates at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town.
Upcoming tour dates:
MARCH
18th – Brussels, La Madeleine
19th – Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg
20th – Rotterdam, Maassilo
23rd – Cologne, Bürgerhaus Stollwerck
24th – Warsaw, Palladium
26th – Vilnius, Compensa Concert Hall
28th – Riga, Palladium
29th – Tallinn, Alexela Concert Hall
30th – Helsinki,Tavastia
APRIL
2nd – Stockholm, Cirkus
3rd – Oslo, Rockefeller
6th – Copenhagen, Vega – Main Hall
8th – Berlin, Metropol
10th – Zürich, Kaufleuten
11th – Bern, Bierhübeli
12th – Cully, Jazz Festival
15th – Paris, La Cigale
17th – Dublin, The Academy
20th – Schijndel, Paaspop Festival
23rd – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town
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