Mega (Blank Banshee album)

Mega, (stylized MEGA) is the third studio album by Canadian musician and producer Blank Banshee. It was released via Bandcamp on October 10, 2016.

MEGA
Studio album by
Blank Banshee
ReleasedOctober 10, 2016
Recorded2014–2016[1]
Genre
Length32:39
LabelHologram Bay
ProducerBlank Banshee
Blank Banshee chronology
Blank Banshee 1
(2013)		 MEGA
(2016)		 Metamorphosis
(2019)
Singles from Mega
  1. "Frozen Flame"
    Released: October 10, 2016
Alternate cover

Background and composition

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 in reference to the cover art of Final Fantasy 7.

MEGA was produced, recorded and mastered in Vancouver, Canada.[9][10]

Promotion and release

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

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

Adapted from official liner notes.[9]

No.TitleLength
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
  2. "Blank Banshee Returns With New Album MEGA". The Fader. Oct 10, 2016.
  3. "Blank Banshee - Facebook". Facebook. Dec 21, 2014.
  4. "Blank Banshee Live at SPF420 [Portland, Oregon 5/1/15]". YouTube. May 12, 2015.
  5. "After a Three-Year Hiatus, Blank Banshee Breaks His Silence with "MEGA"". Bandcamp daily. Oct 17, 2016.
  6. "Blank Banshee [in preparation for new album]". MMJ. Oct 1, 2016.
  7. "Zero Day". Blank Banshee - Official Website. Oct 10, 2016.
  8. "Blank Banshee Returns with New Album 'Mega'". COMPLEX. Oct 10, 2016.
  9. "Blank Banshee MEGA liner notes". Blank Banshee - Official Website. Oct 10, 2016.
  10. "Blank Banshee: The Anonymous Internet Sensation in Our Vicinity [Interview]". RENDRD Magazine. November 9, 2016.
  11. "Vaporwave Recluse Blank Banshee Plays Starline Social Club".
  12. Fantano, Anthony (Dec 10, 2016). "Blank Banshee - MEGA Album Review". YouTube.
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