TankAndTheBangasVEVO

Tank and the Bangas formed in the early 2010s, when vocalist and poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball (frontwoman, lead vocals) met musicians Norman Spence (keys) and Joshua Johnson (drums) at the New Orleans open-mic night Liberation Lounge; Albert Allenback (alto saxophone, flute) came on later, firming the band’s core lineup. They were a Best New Artist nominee at the 2020 Grammys and toured the world extensively, playing major U.S. festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. Red Balloon, Tank & the Bangas’ third studio album and second major-label release, is a commanding vocal presence but also firmly rooted in the musical chemistry conjured by the band being back in the studio and letting the vibes flow. Its lyrics run the gamut of human experience, taking on the ills of America while also celebrating the beauty of Black life, reveling in sensuality while also talking frankly of heartbreak.