The Banquets Are Back With the Gripping “Black Mirrors

At the beginning of this year, the UK duo The Banquets released their debut single. In my review of that single, I said that it is a captivating tune that is filled with smoky instrumentation, alluring vocals, and delectable melodies. And now, The Banquets are back with a new single called “Black Mirrors”. Is this new single going to be as captivating as “Red Sky Morning”? Why does the title of this post say that “Black Mirrors” is gripping? To find out those answers, continue to read on!

It’s All a Dream Anyway

The success in how “Black Mirrors” is such a gripping tune lies in three reasons: the instrumentations, the vocals, and the lyrics. The song is set in a mid-tempo country vibe, something that is a bit upbeat yet mellow. The majority of the tune features an acoustic guitar, a twangy electric guitar, and a drumset. Each of the instruments creates a mellow and easy-to-follow melody with its own unique sound. Though, don’t be deceived as you can hear elements of a strong pop-rock vibe, especially during the beginning and at the bridge. You can also hear a shift between pop-rock, hard rock, and country throughout, especially during and after the bridge.

The vocals are the pivotal character in “Black Mirrors” as they tell the story, but also attract the audience to listen from beginning to end. As I said in the previous review, Gemma Dee’s vocals are infectious as they pull listeners throughout the song’s journey with their distinctive and soulful tone. But in “Black Mirror”, Gemma’s vocals feature a distinctive country twang in her tone as it’s brassy yet melodic.

Finally, don’t forget to listen to the lyrics as they feature a profound message. With these deep, contemplative lyrics, the band hopes that listeners can reflect on their own “black mirrors” and try to escape from them. What are our devices doing to us? What are they giving us or taking away from us? How can we escape or lessen the control of these devices from our lives? these are the questions that are presented in “Black Mirrors” with the intention to challenge and make the listener reflect on their own lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

The Banquets did it again as “Black Mirrors” is a delectable tune with a mellow and easy-to-follow melody, infectious vocals, and profound lyrics. Although it is a mid-tempo country piece, don’t let that fool you as it features so many tasty yet unique morsels in every part. But there are also tiny surprises that await listeners, especially at the end. With all of this, “Black Mirror” is a definite must-listen for any type of music lover TODAY!

Make sure to listen to “Black Mirrors” by The Banquets down below and let me know what you think in the comments!

About the Artist: The Banquets

The Banquets are an alternative rock/pop trio. The members are Gemma Dee (vocals), Leon Russell Hills (guitar), and Francis Watson (drums). The trio had quite an explosive introduction to the music scene in 2019-2020, appearing on the Introducing Stage at the Great British Folk Festival, supporting The South (formerly The Beautiful South) on their UK tour, and supporting legendary icon Toyah Wilcox. They captivated audiences up and down the country with their infectious energy, their northern charm, and the formidable voice of their lead singer.

The Banquets’ sound is a simple mix of rock, blues, and pop music, and they try to maintain the great tradition of British rock. The musical influences of the band stretch far and wide, and go right back to the early 20th-century blues scene. Their sound is hugely impacted by the music that has flowed out of America over the last century, and like most British music, it reflects back that sound and rubs in some northern British magic. Although on the surface they might appear to be an acoustic outfit, they aim to make as big a sound as possible, and their sound often leans towards the ecstatic.