SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR

Metalcore is currently suffering from an identity crisis, caught between the nostalgic worship of early 2000s breakdowns and the hyper-polished production of the modern era. Banks Arcade, however, seems entirely indifferent to these debates. On their latest offering, 'SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR', the band has delivered a jagged, unapologetic piece of heavy music that prioritises visceral impact and sheer momentum. It is a record that demands attention, and more importantly, it earns it through consistent technical execution and a distinct sonic signature.

From the opening moments of "MOVE", it is clear that the production is sharp enough to cut. There is no muddy mid-range here; the guitars are crisp, the low-end is punishingly heavy, and the transitions between hardcore grit and melodic urgency are seamless. The band avoids the trap of aimless experimentation, opting instead for a focused, aggressive flow that keeps the listener pinned to the floor. It is a deliberate, high-energy assault that feels both fresh and authoritative.

Banks Arcade has crafted a polished, punishing slab of metalcore that refuses to blink.

"DON'T MISS" and "ROCKSTAR" serve as the core pillars of the album's identity. These tracks highlight the band's ability to weave aggressive hooks into heavy frameworks without losing their edge. There is a palpable sense of swagger in the performance, a confidence that suggests they know exactly how to land a punch. The shift into "MIRROR" showcases a more atmospheric, brooding texture, yet even in its quieter moments, the underlying threat of heavy volume remains palpable. It is the balance of these dynamics that provides the record's strongest replay value.

Where some critics might find the polished aesthetic of modern metalcore alienating, I find 'SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR' to be a refreshing example of what the genre can achieve when it stops trying to please everyone. "SEVERANCE" and "KNOW ME" lean into the heavier, more cavernous side of the production. These tracks are punishing, featuring gut-punching lows and erratic, unpredictable rhythms that showcase the band's technical prowess without veering into over-complicated time signatures just for the sake of it.

The middle of the record sees a slight shift in pace. "YUCK!" and "SWEAT" are fast-paced, kinetic injections of energy that act as a necessary palate cleanser before the album's heavier conclusion. They are brief but potent, showcasing a frantic energy that highlights the vocalist's range. "000" follows this with a grinding, industrial-tinged weight that feels like the heaviest moment of the collection, providing a visceral climax before the final stretch.

"LAST TIME" and "WAIT" build an atmosphere of mounting tension, leading into the grand, defiant finale of "HAVE FAITH". The transition into the closing tracks is handled with sophistication; the production swells to meet the soaring intensity of the finale, ensuring the album ends on a high, soaring note rather than a fizzle. It is a cohesive journey that manages to feel both cinematic and raw.

Ultimately, 'SECOND PLACE SUPERSTAR' is a formidable achievement. It doesn't need to spend time explaining its pedigree or chasing historical ghosts to be relevant. By focusing on heavy riffs, tight songwriting, and an uncompromising sonic aesthetic, Banks Arcade has secured their spot in the vanguard of the scene. This is a record built for the mosh pit, the headphones, and the heavy-rotation playlist alike.