REVIEW: Perk Banks - "The Train Effect"

You know those projects you hear that you don't like on the first listen, but later in time it becomes one of your favorites? What about those other projects you hear that becomes your favorite on the FIRST listen? That better describes The Train Effect by Perk Banks for me. There is honestly nothing like it. Every song is a completely different, wavy style yet comes together perfectly to what the fans are calling a "masterpiece".

And I would have to agree with them.

Let me begin the review:

1. I Am, We Are... [Prod. by Tony M & The Bass]

Took me away in the first second. This is a movie in your ears. No rapping is involved, yet Perk Banks still manages to get deep with his spoken word narration to the beginning of his journey. May take a few listens to fully understand, but definitely a must listen.



2. The Cycle [Prod. by Omito]

One of the cleanest records on the project. Very dope, that came along with a DOPE visual (which you can see below). He shows his ambitions along with the demons that come along with them. Very wavy production by Omtio as well.



3. Rise Yung (feat. Ekow) [Prod. by Marcus 'Gameface' Boyd]

This has been his most popular record off The Train Effect thus far. I can see why.... It's a very fun song that shows his youthful fantasies to the fullest. The hook is EVERYTHING. That guy Ekow really did his thing on that. Much respect to those vocals. Hope to hear these two link up again soon!



4. Fuck T.O.N. (feat. Bruce Banks) [Prod. by Carnage]

FOR THE HOMIES! If you have a group of friends you call your family, this is one for you to rock out to! Put this on at the party and grab a bottle and go crazy! The famous EDM producer/DJ Carnage produced this one, which make sense considering he is one of the leaders of this 'TURN UP" era we're in.



5. EVRYbody Smoke (feat. T.Walker) [Prod. by STOVEKING]

Perk Banks & STOVEKING link up again here, this time featuring the king of the 16's T.Walker. You don't even need to smoke for this one to get you high! Perk has a nice first verse, following a hook that will get stuck in your head instantly. T.Walker then stole the show with his inpeccable flow on his verse. Couldn't have had a better person on this record than T.Walker.




6. Attitude {Interlude} [Prod. by Balance]

A wavy little break from the tape with this interlude (which could easily be mistaken for a normal record). Here Perk Banks has his head up high bragging about how his fashion game is way above the rest of the population. The production is top notch and Perk just does what he does to take you away.



7. Look Up To The Sky (feat. Donziff) [Prod. by Nide]

This is like the backbone of the entire project. Of my interpretation of The Train Effect, this song probably defines it the most. The production by Nide is on another level and the hook is inspiring and wavy at the same time. Let's not forget either... Donziff is ONE of TWO rap features with a verse & it's safe to say he said what he had to say here. Two different styles come together for one song & make it work brilliantly.



8. The Escape (feat. Nikki Taylor) [Prod. by Marcus 'Gameface' Boyd]

Arguably my favorite song on the entire project (and maybe of the whole summer)... Perk Banks linked up with the New York singer/songwriter Nikki Taylor who absolutely blew me away with her vocals. Great song with some pop-influence that I can definitely hear getting some serious radio play.



9. Disco Interior [Prod. by EddieThaHead]

Very groovy record. This one samples Sade, and Perk Banks decides to bring out his inner PIMP. Great song to throw on when your driving on the highway. Also a great song to get HIGH to.



10. So Far Away [Prod. by Lazy Kev]

Probably the WAVIEST of all the songs on this project. Perk Banks really shows his dark side here. I'd love to be on whatever Lazy Kev was when he made this piece! (Just kidding...) He takes you on a ride literally So Far Away from reality.
 

11. Shinin' [Prod. by Dru Wills]

Perk Banks gets his inner country on here with this heavily sampled beat from the Georgia-born producer Dru Wills. A very feel-good record here. Love the hook & the happy transition from the darkness of So Far Away. I hope to see more Perk Banks x Dru Wills records coming soon!



12. The Train Effect [Prod. by PRIDE]

The end of the journey. This one really brings the whole project together. Best hook on the entire project for sure. Perk Banks blends hip-hop with alterntive wave R&B to bring you the future sound of hip-hop.

Our overall rating of The Train Effect by Perk Banks is:

8.9/10

WHICH MEANS

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!