Tony Banks – Strictly Inc – review

It is truly a privilege to discover a new album without any influences such as the media or singles constantly played on the radio. A similar comment was made in the guest reviews of the current Mike & The Mechanics LP in the last issue. Once again, thanks to an advance tape, we were able to get a completely unbiased first impression – this time of Strictly Inc. – although the ‘fear’ of influence from singles is probably not as prevalent with Tony Banks as it is with his bandmates. The past has simply shown that he (especially when he ventures down solo paths) is not ‘the maker’ of potential super hits. In any case, it was definitely a good feeling to listen to the sounds of a new Tony Banks album again after more than four years.

The album was recorded at The Farm, and Tony once again played it in a new line-up. The only ‘old acquaintance’ from previous Tony Banks LPs is Daryl Stuermer, who plays guitar on the songs Walls Of Sound and An Island In The Darkness. In addition to Daryl, Nathan East played bass, John Robinson played drums and singer Jack Hues (Wang Chung) also played guitar. Nick Davis is also involved in the production again.

The songs

The first track on Strictly Inc. is Don’t Turn Your Back On Me. A successful opener that leaves two impressions. First, there is the voice of former Wang Chung singer Jack Hues! Tony’s years-long search for the ideal singer for his music seems to have come to an end. Furthermore, this track has a very electronic sound, which remains consistent throughout the album. The real instruments used are repeatedly wrapped in synthesiser and keyboard sounds, creating an electronic but also very unusual overall picture.

The next song is Walls Of Sound. It is one of the quieter tracks on the Strictly Inc. album and falls slightly short of Don’t Turn Your Back On Me. Only Seventeen is truly perfect for the first single. This impression is not only created by the disco-like beat in the background, but also by the catchy melody, which is instantly recognisable even on the second listen.

An absolute highlight of this album follows with The Serpent Said. This song really contains a lot of impressive elements. The style of drumming is reminiscent of the former style of John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. The Serpent Said is dramatic and very rocking on the one hand, but also very varied on the other. With Never Let Me Know, we can listen to calmer tones again. After a restrained beginning, it is above all the great instrumental part in the middle of the track that manages to polish this ballad to a high shine.

This is followed by Charity Balls. Jack Hues gives this piece a certain something with his versatile vocals. Charity Balls is certainly one of the more digestible songs on the album. It continues with Something To Live For. Despite some rock elements, this piece makes a rather average impression, which is not significantly improved by the inserted ‘guitar solo’. This track can probably be put on a par with Walls Of Sound. Much more convincing is A Piece Of You, probably the most beautiful ballad on Strictly Inc. A very pleasant melody combined with great instrumentation gives this song a very harmonious feel, which also leaves a lasting impression.

This is followed by Strictly Incognito, the title track of this album. Typical Banks sounds accompany this varied and interesting up-tempo song. Buyers of Strictly Inc. are casually informed at this point that the ‘Inc.’ in the band name stands for “Incognito” and not (as in a company name) for ‘Incorporated’.

In a conversation with Carol Willis-Impey (Hit & Run/England), the idea behind the concept of Strictly Inc. was explained to us. The record company apparently had certain concerns that radio stations would immediately put the current single aside when they saw the name Banks, as ‘yet another’ member of Genesis was appearing on the market with a release. Given the strong presence of Phil Collins and Mike & The Mechanics in the charts, this is entirely understandable.

Due to its length, the final track on this album will probably never be played on the radio. At over seventeen minutes, Tony has created the longest song of his solo career to date! An Island In The Darkness seems to reveal a completely different side of Strictly Inc.

A piano intro in the style of A Curious Feeling opens this piece. It transitions into a relatively calm sequence with beautiful vocals. This passage is followed by a fast, rocking, purely instrumental section. And this ends with a piano piece similar to the intro. This calm section serves as a transition to the finale of An Island In The Darkness. At the end, the musicians give it their all and really hit top form. It’s amazing how quickly more than a quarter of an hour can pass. This brings this brilliant work to a worthy conclusion.

All in all

What can be said in conclusion about Strictly Inc.? It would be unfair to claim that without An Island In the Darkness, this CD would have been just an average album. There are simply too many other really good moments that are absolutely thrilling. Jack Hues is convincing across the board. His voice fits the music perfectly, and it’s easy to imagine that this was the beginning of a fruitful partnership. The other guest musicians also master their roles well, but at the same time quite inconspicuously.

The overall impression Tony intended has something very unique and dark about it. That’s why Strictly Inc. differs significantly from Bankstatement or Still. It’s difficult to compare it to these two albums. While these two records were more convincing with their clean pop/rock songs, Strictly Inc. leaves a completely different, more offbeat impression. If people like this album, Tony says there will be another Strictly Inc. album. So let’s wish him the success he has long deserved with this project.

by Bernd Zindler
first published in it magazine (#16, September 1995). 

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