Prior to their debut release, Banks Arcade gained recognition through their cover versions of songs like Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight" and SAINt JHN's "Roses." These covers offered a glimpse into the band's musical style, characterized by a fusion of hip-hop, pop, metalcore, and electronic music.
Their debut EP, titled "Endnote," was released in January 2018.
In July 2022, Banks Arcade released their debut album, "Future Lovers," featuring 13 tracks that showcase their diverse musical influences, drawing inspiration from acts such as Northlane, The Prodigy, and SAINt JHN. The band's signing with UNFD coincided with the release of their dynamic single "Don't Start," which highlights their musical and visual talents.
Vocalist Joshua O'Donnell describes "Don't Start" as a self-assured track addressing those who criticize others from behind closed doors, promoting self-confidence and resilience.
Banks Arcade introduces a contemporary heavy sound to the Australian music scene, blending elements of hard rock, electro, and metalcore. Their debut album serves as a foundation for their future releases, demonstrating their aptitude for experimenting with different sounds and styles.
In April 2023, the band embarked on a tour in the United States and Canada.
Drown
Banks Arcade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trembling hands trace the shape of your breath
I don't want to forget
The Loss in your eyes
The stains on your chest
We are nothing but air
I don't want to forget
Theres not anything better
We take what we get
Fly with me
Let my eyes turn me in
We could stay here forever
I know it won't last
Die with me
Leave your soul in your dress
Drowning in the dark
Some nights I don't want to talk
I can feel it better when we lie to ourselves
You don't feel at all
Don't hope
We can make it out
Talk slow
We can take it now
Slip away
There's nothing left to keep us here
We are nothing but air
I don't want to forget
There's not anything better
We take what we get
Fly with me
Let my eyes turn me in
We could stay here forever
I know it won't last
Die with me
Leave your soul in your dress
Drowning in the dark
Some nights I don't want to talk
Slip away
There's nothing left to keep us here
We are nothing but air
The lyrics of Banks Arcade's "Drown" is a contemplation of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The first line "We are nothing but air" sets the somber tone of the song, suggesting that our human existence is fleeting and fragile. The imagery of "trembling hands trace the shape of your breath" and "the stains on your chest" paints a picture of a dying person, perhaps a lover or a friend, and the singer's desire to hold on to their memory.
The chorus of the song expresses a sense of urgency and desperation in the face of mortality, with the repeated lines "Fly with me" and "Die with me" suggesting a desire for companionship in the face of death. The lyrics "Let my eyes turn me in" and "Leave your soul in your dress" further enforce the theme of surrendering to death and the physical body being left behind.
The second verse of the song continues this contemplation of darkness and loss, with the line "Drowning in the dark" invoking a powerful metaphor for death. The lyrics "Some nights I don't want to talk / I can feel it better when we lie to ourselves" convey a sense of denial or avoidance of the reality of mortality, while still acknowledging our mortality with the line "You don't feel at all."
Overall, "Drown" is a poetic and evocative exploration of the human condition and the inevitability of death. It highlights the importance of human connection and companionship in the face of mortality, while also recognizing the beauty and fragility of life.
Line by Line Meaning
We are nothing but air
We are insignificant and fleeting beings.
Trembling hands trace the shape of your breath
I am captivated and anxious by the mere presence of you.
I don't want to forget
I fear losing the memories of us.
The Loss in your eyes
I sense your pain and sorrow.
The stains on your chest
I see the remnants of your struggles.
Theres not anything better
There is nothing more meaningful than being with you.
We take what we get
We accept what life throws at us.
Fly with me
Let's escape reality together.
Let my eyes turn me in
I am lost in the moment with you.
We could stay here forever
I wish this moment could last forever.
I know it won't last
I am aware that this moment is temporary.
Die with me
Let us face our mortality together.
Leave your soul in your dress
Don't hold back your emotions.
Drowning in the dark
I am overwhelmed and suffocated by my emotions.
Some nights I don't want to talk
I prefer to silently contemplate my thoughts.
I can feel it better when we lie to ourselves
It's easier to pretend that everything is okay.
You don't feel at all
You are numb to the pain.
Don't hope
Don't expect things to improve.
We can make it out
We can overcome our struggles.
Talk slow
Let's take our time to fully express ourselves.
We can take it now
We are strong enough to face our challenges.
Slip away
Let's escape from our problems.
There's nothing left to keep us here
We have nothing holding us back from leaving.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Joshua O'Donnell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheKalnder
If Northlane and Ocean Grove had a kid, it would sound 50% like this.
@Hels_vessel
What about the other 50%?
@Dontlettheworldrot
@@Hels_vessel their own Sound
@shipmen1983
What about deftones, I think that's the Strongest influence
@CaseyCorrupted
I'm so glad Spotify recommended this to me. This is incredible.
@DoudouSine
same here, the recommendation algo of Spotify is incredible. Totally worth getting premium
@susciv
This song slaps IRL the bass at the beginning at a venue is steller😂
@sadNietzsche
the same thing just happened to me, gentleman, dog bless the algorithm 🐺
@MattWolfNZ
Your PowerStation gig with Highly was dope... Auckland 2023
@ssomouse
I was there too. Magical 😅