Eleanor Corney
Isaac Dunbar is back and better than ever with the 8 track EP ‘Banish The Banshee.’ Lively tracks all tied together with that hint of sadness and longing that Dunbar knows how to use so well.
To kick off this absolute banger of an EP, we immediately jump into undoubtedly the EP’s most lively track, ‘Sunburn.’ This song details a love that hurts like a sunburn. Dunbar makes the initial comparison when he sings: “Cause every time you try to kiss it better / it burns / your kiss like a sunburn.”
This is not the only time Dunbar makes a striking comparison in his upbeat tune. He continues to criticise his misconceptions of love and its healing powers as he sings: “I thought love was a Band-Aid / turns out that it’s fake / like a goth on a sunny day / SPF down the drain.” The humorous comparison between fake love and a goth on a sunny day is certain to resonate with Gen Z.
“Speaking of Gen Z, Dunbar continues to resonate with the generation as he sings proudly about defiance in the name of finding yourself.”
Speaking of Gen Z, Dunbar continues to resonate with the generation as he sings proudly about defiance in the name of finding yourself. In his song ‘Bleach’ he sings: “I should bleach my hair to make my parents mad / especially dad / he’s kinda known for having temper tantrums.”
Here we can see Dunbar use the extended image of bleaching his hair to show his fans that he is changing and growing into himself, and we can too.
Next, we have the hit song ‘Gummy’ that also indicates Dunbar is growing into himself. This song is a sex-positive anthem in which he sings: “I’m talking bout sex / whether you like it or not!”
Many of Dunbar’s fans have grown alongside him, and watched him develop into the artist he is today. Many of these same fans are overjoyed that he has found himself since the release of his initial EP, ‘Balloons Don’t Float Here,’ and the release of his sophomore EP, ‘Isaac’s Insects.’ One fan even stated that seeing someone their age ‘grow and blossom’ was ‘amazing to see’ as they found him during a very dark time in their lives, and they felt inspired by Dunbar’s flourishing.
One thing is for sure, and that is that we need to lay money on 19-year-old singer Isaac Dunbar – up next we have the song ‘Money on That.’ Dunbar’s opening lyric has the ability to stun listeners as he sings: “It’s not easy being this pretty.” Vocally, Dunbar is performing years beyond his age.
‘Tainted Love’ is the next track on the EP and carries on the intriguing trend of ‘Banish The Banshee.’ The song is groovy and has an infectious chorus. The song is playful, but by no means lacks the maturity that is so well known in Dunbar’s music. It continues to follow the theme of love that ‘Banish The Banshee’ has explored thus far.
The following track, ‘Fools Paradise’, does exactly the same. In the heart-wrenching ballad, Dunbar sings: “Cause loving you back to life / would be the death of me.” Tears were shed.
“As we continue through the song, he continues to discuss feelings of ostracism that come with growing up LGBTQ+ in a religious setting.”
Finally, we have the star of the show, the title track ‘Banish The Banshee.’ This song is without doubt the most personal on the album, and is partnered with a short intermission titled ‘This Is An Intermission.’ The song uses many examples of religious imagery, paying homage to Dunbar’s religious upbringing.
He sings: “She looked just like Eve and berated my world / so I pulled an Adam and I blamed that girl.”
As we continue through the song, he continues to discuss feelings of ostracism that come with growing up LGBTQ+ in a religious setting. He sings undeniably one of the most powerful lines of the song: “I was a witch in a crowd of nuns / I stood out and they hated my light / they could banish the Banshee to break their curse.”
Here we can see Dunbar using the ongoing character of the Banshee to represent himself during this song. This powerful comparison is enough to strike any listener.
Isaac Dunbar is one to watch. Here we have a young, LGBTQ+ musician with a passion for fashion, with vocals way beyond his years. He has a successful career ahead of him.
Featured image courtesy of Bogomil Mihaylov via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
