Feature by Ellie Garno
This week, we’d like to introduce readers to another hot new artist from down under: singer-songwriter and producer Will Cuming, otherwise known as LANKS. LANKS’ debut EP Thousand Piece Puzzle gained attention from NME and Triple jJupon its release last summer. A year later, LANKS has just finished touring across Australia’s East Coast, presented by Select Music and Mister Management, for the launch of a new EP, Banquet. LANKS worked with engineer/producer Andrei Eremin (Oscar Key Sung, Chet Faker) to generate the EP’s uber-dreamy, synthpop sound. Banquet features six tracks, including three singles: “Hold Me Closer,” “Settle Down,” and “Aurelia.”
“Hold Me Closer” opens with vocals and bass drum. What more could you possibly want? Things stay like this until about midway, when a wave of LANKS’ signature layers and textured sounds come crashing in: whiny vocal cries, distorted electric guitar, and atmospheric synths galore. My favorite has to be the steady snare drum, which navigates in a sea of electronica. Percussive touches—e.g. an acoustic “plucking” of sorts—can be heard in the ballad “Aurelia,” as well. But LANKS’ latest single is a vocal showcase, first and foremost. Cut from the same Navajo blanket as The Weeknd (PBR&B, Wikipedia tells me), “Settle Down” is part psychedelic, part smooth. And then there’re the lyrics: “Settle down, / it’s only love.” Right on.
LANKS is back in the studio again with new music coming early next year. We’ll be waiting. Many thanks for Banquet, LANKS.
Filed under: feature friday, Features Tagged: banquet EP, feature friday, lanks, will cuming
