Mega (Blank Banshee album)
| MEGA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 10, 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2014–2016[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 32:39 | |||
| Label | Hologram Bay | |||
| Producer | Blank Banshee | |||
| Blank Banshee chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Mega | ||||
| ||||
| Alternate cover | ||||
 | ||||
Mega, (stylized MEGA) is the third studio album by Canadian musician and producer Blank Banshee. It was released via Bandcamp on October 10, 2016.
Background and composition
[edit]In late 2014 a new project was announced by Blank Banshee via social media.[2][3] Tracks from MEGA began appearing in live sets as early as July 2015.[4]
By late 2016 an untitled song (later Frozen Flame) had appeared on Blank Banshee's official website. A Twitter account associated with Blank Banshee initiated an ARG style promotional campaign involving an e-mail address that responded to fans via auto-reply with daily cryptic 'fragments' of a short story concluding on the eve of MEGA’s release. The story 'Zero-Day', makes reference to several song titles and themes presented on MEGA.[5][6][7]
MEGA was composed using an Akai MPD26 and live instrumentation. It has been described as a “balance of abstract ambience and dance-able trap”. A continuation and expansion of Blank Banshee's signature sound, it is considerably more experimental, relying less on samples than its precursors.[8] In a 2016 interview, Driscoll spoke of the link between his music and ‘virtual environments’, comparing his writing approach to that of 90's RPG music composers.[5]
The album artwork was designed by Blank Banshee and features a 3D model of a meteor layered over a fuchsia gradient background.
MEGA was produced, recorded and mastered in Vancouver, Canada.[9][10]
Promotion and release
[edit]In the spring of 2017, Blank Banshee embarked on The MEGA Tour, a 3 leg tour spanning Canada, Europe and America concluding in autumn of 2017.[11]
MEGA has been released on Cassette Tape, Compact Disc, Vinyl and USB Flash Drive independently through the online store Hologram Bay.
Reception
[edit]In an article posted after the release of MEGA, The Fader makes note of Blank Banshee's cult following.[2][12] MEGA's “fragmented-yet-soulful vaportrap bridges the yawning chasm between itself and Blank Banshee 1" notes Bandcamp daily.[5] Online publication Pigeons and Planes called the album Blank Banshee's “best project yet”, praising its inventive use of samples and distinct textures.[8]
Track listing
[edit]Adapted from official liner notes.[9]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "BIOS" | 1:07 |
| 2. | "My Machine" | 2:10 |
| 3. | "Frozen Flame" | 2:38 |
| 4. | "Gunshots" | 2:24 |
| 5. | "Megaflora" | 2:14 |
| 6. | "Ecco Chamber" | 2:25 |
| 7. | "Holograffiti" | 2:01 |
| 8. | "XENOS" | 2:30 |
| 9. | "Sandclock" | 2:16 |
| 10. | "Hungry Ghost" | 2:21 |
| 11. | "Web Ring" | 2:33 |
| 12. | "Meteor Blade" | 2:33 |
| 13. | "JUNO" | 1:51 |
| 14. | "Cerulean" | 2:16 |
| 15. | "EXOS" | 1:25 |
| Total length: | 33:00 | |
Notes
- "My Machine", "Gunshots", "XENOS", and "Hungry Ghost" feature vocals and voice by Cormorant.
- "Web Ring" features vocals by Jaya.
References
[edit]- ^ "MEGA-Information". Archived from the original on 2018-10-23. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
- ^ a b "Blank Banshee Returns With New Album MEGA". The Fader. Oct 10, 2016.
- ^ "Blank Banshee - Facebook". Facebook. Dec 21, 2014.
- ^ "Blank Banshee Live at SPF420 [Portland, Oregon 5/1/15]". YouTube. May 12, 2015.
- ^ a b c "After a Three-Year Hiatus, Blank Banshee Breaks His Silence with "MEGA"". Bandcamp daily. Oct 17, 2016.
- ^ "Blank Banshee [in preparation for new album]". MMJ. Oct 1, 2016.
- ^ "Zero Day". Blank Banshee - Official Website. Oct 10, 2016.
- ^ a b "Blank Banshee Returns with New Album 'Mega'". COMPLEX. Oct 10, 2016.
- ^ a b "Blank Banshee MEGA liner notes". Blank Banshee - Official Website. Oct 10, 2016.
- ^ "Blank Banshee: The Anonymous Internet Sensation in Our Vicinity [Interview]". RENDRD Magazine. November 9, 2016.
- ^ "Vaporwave Recluse Blank Banshee Plays Starline Social Club". 17 November 2017.
- ^ Fantano, Anthony (Dec 10, 2016). "Blank Banshee - MEGA Album Review". YouTube.
