Award-winning Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Victoria Banks is stretching the country genre with her third self-penned EP, “Indigo”. The Toronto native, whom has written for the likes of Sara Evans and Jessica Simpson, shows a versatile sound that magically fits into a package of ten beautifully written songs.
Starting off with “Get on the Train” (Banks/Tia Sellers), Banks sets the bar that this album is going to be different. Reminiscent of days gone by, this reviewer immediately envisioned was a chain gang in the 1930’s working on train tracks (complete with the clangs of pegs being hammered in) that progresses with every verse and is completely captivating. “Cruel” (Banks/Lindsey Lee/Emily Shackelton), “Let Go of the Stone” (Banks) and “Run To You” continue a touch of roughness throughout the EP.
A more whimsical and feminine quality is brought to this album with tracks like “Hello Heart” (Banks/Shackleton/Phil Barton), “Firefly” (Banks/Shackleton/Sara Haze), and the title track “Indigo” (Banks/Sillers), with the latter displaying amazing vocal strength with a tender guitar instrumental. The multiple Canadian Country Music Awards nominee and 2010 CCMA Female Artist of the Year displays a depth with the written word with songs such as “Angelina” (Banks/Barton/Shackleton) and “Yours” (Banks/Mickey Guyton/Kyle Jacobs); “Angelina” is about a missing girl and Banks ponderings on her whereabouts and condition, while “Yours” is the epitome of what every woman wants to say to her man – I’m not perfect, I have flaws but ‘baby, I’m yours’.
For all of the majesty on “Indigo”, the stand out song is track #7, “Ruined”. Written by Banks, Barton, Preston Brust and Lindsay Rimes, it was released as the lead single to Canadian country radio in August of 2014 to much acclaim. It is by far the most contemporary country song on the album but it fits, and you cannot help but find yourself singing along.
For an album that has limited songwriters on the credits there is such a tasteful variety of sounds throughout the 10 tracks. Beautifully written, lyrically captivating, musically simplistic – this album is phenomenal. Listen to “Ruined” below, download a copy of “Indigo” on iTunes, find more of Victoria’s music and tour dates on her website, make sure to follow Victoria on Twitter, and as always, check in to Got Country Online for the latest country music news and reviews.
Track Listing for Indigo
1. Get on the Train
2. Hello Heart
3. Cruel
4. Firefly
5. Angelina
6. Let Go of the Stone
7. Ruined
8. Yours
9. Run To You
10. Indigo
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