Banks Arcade is a metalcore band hailing from Melbourne, Australia. The gro… Read Full Bio ↴Banks Arcade is a metalcore band hailing from Melbourne, Australia. The group consists of vocalist Joshua O'Donnell, bassist Harlan Allen-Jones, and drummer James Feekes.

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.

Freaks
Banks Arcade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't be afraid
Step into the dark don't be afraid

Don't be afraid
Step into the dark don't be afraid

The night is full of fucking animals
Psychosomatic cannibals

Looking to find the anecdote
Push it and make it bleed

Hungry for something spiritual
Baby come and get physical
Drink from the cut
Don't spit it
We use it to go to sleep

Sick of running
The night is full of loving
The freaks are out for blood and
We lost everything just to keep em coming
Stand for nothing
I think I'm over wanting
We can leave all the pretty pain
We'll dance away the life we never wanted

Don't wanna wake up
Kill the pain
Keep the change
We don't talk about it

I know the truth hurts
So stay afraid
And bleed till you get some sympathy

I'm on my last chance
They told me I need to get my head fixed
Everybody's worried I might talk shit
But I look pretty pretty when I'm reckless
So forget it

I left my soul at the bar I got sick of being used
I'm just over the top we need something to abuse
You're just cynical
I think I might be on the same page

So step into the dark don't be afraid
This could be the start
Let's go away

They tried to change us
I like it better when we fake love

Don't wanna wake up
Kill the pain
Keep the change
We don't talk about it

I know the truth hurts
So stay afraid
And bleed till you get some sympathy

Don't wanna wake up
Kill the pain
Keep the change
We don't talk about it

I know the truth hurts
So stay afraid
And bleed till you get some sympathy

Sick of running
The night is full of loving
The freaks are out for blood and
We lost everything just to keep em coming

Stand for nothing
I think I'm over wanting

We can leave all the pretty pain
We'll dance away the life we never wanted

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Freaks" by Banks Arcade paint a vivid picture of a dark and chaotic night filled with dangerous and unpredictable elements. The repeated refrain of "Don't be afraid, step into the dark" sets the tone of defiance and embracing the unknown. The night is described as being filled with "fucking animals" and "psychosomatic cannibals," suggesting a sense of wildness and primal instincts lurking in the darkness.

The lyrics delve into themes of seeking escape and release, both physically and spiritually. The line "Hungry for something spiritual, baby come and get physical" hints at a desire for a transcendent experience through physical means, perhaps alluding to seeking temporary relief from inner turmoil or emotional pain. The imagery of drinking from a cut and using it to go to sleep conveys a sense of numbing oneself to cope with the harsh realities of life.

There is a sense of resignation and desperation in the lyrics, with the singer expressing weariness of running and portraying a sense of loss and emptiness despite the wild and hedonistic surroundings. The mention of "loving freaks out for blood" suggests a craving for intensity and passion, even at the cost of losing oneself in the process. The refrain "Stand for nothing, I think I'm over wanting" hints at a sense of disillusionment and detachment from conventional values and desires.

The repeated refrain of not wanting to wake up, killing the pain, and avoiding acknowledging the truth underscores a theme of avoidance and self-deception. The lyrics delve into the struggle between craving escapism and facing harsh realities, with the singer oscillating between choosing to stay afraid and seeking empathy through bleeding out emotional pain. The mention of leaving behind pretty pain and dancing away from unwanted aspects of life conveys a sense of yearning for a new beginning, even if it means embracing darkness and uncertainty.

Overall, "Freaks" by Banks Arcade explores themes of escapism, defiance, and the allure of darkness and chaos in the face of inner turmoil and societal pressures. The lyrics paint a complex portrait of individuals grappling with their desires for release, connection, and authenticity amidst a backdrop of wildness and intensity.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't be afraid
Encouraging to embrace the unknown without fear

Step into the dark don't be afraid
Taking a step into unfamiliar territory without hesitation

The night is full of fucking animals
Referring to the wild and unpredictable nature of the night

Psychosomatic cannibals
Metaphor for individuals who feed on the emotions of others

Looking to find the anecdote
Searching for a solution or remedy

Push it and make it bleed
Exploiting vulnerabilities to achieve a desired outcome

Hungry for something spiritual
Desiring something deeper and more meaningful

Baby come and get physical
Invitation for a more intimate connection

Drink from the cut
Drawing strength from pain or hardship

Don't spit it
Not wasting the experience or lesson learned

We use it to go to sleep
Finding comfort or solace in difficult situations