Best New Artist Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed band Tank and The Bangas are set to return with their third studio album, Red Balloon. To celebrate the announce, which will be released May 13 via Verve Forecast, the band has released “No ID” alongside an accompanying video.
“No ID” is about not letting just anybody into your life; the song concludes with frontwoman and lead vocalist Tarriona “Tank” Ball singing, “If we gon’ go deeper, Ima need to see what’s beneath the surface of your smile and if you’re worth staying a while.”
Red Balloon was born out of a pandemic-ordered break from the band’s rigorous touring schedule. The hiatus gave the band space to breathe and double down on who they are as artists, allowing them to reunite as a more unified group. The new work has evolved and pushes the band to a new level, shedding light on their unique observations and songwriting reflecting on the ills of America while also celebrating the beauty of Black life.
“This has been one of the best attempts thus far at capturing what happens when we’re all playing at the same time,” notes the band. “Red Balloon is coming straight for your heart and your neck. It’s going to make you bop and think and love, hopefully, and even love people that look different.”
Predominantly produced by Tank and the Bangas, the 16-track album was recorded at Bangaville Studios in New Orleans and Revival Studios in Los Angeles. Red Balloon also includes contributions from Alex Isley, Masego, Questlove, Lalah Hathaway, Big Freedia, Jacob Collier, Trombone Shorty, Jamison Ross, The Hamiltones, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Wayne Brady.
In addition, the band will embark on an extensive run of spring tour dates with Cory Henry. Kicking off on March 9, the US tour includes performances at New York’s Webster Hall, DC’s 9:30 Club, Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia’s Union Transfer, Chicago’s House Of Blues, and more. Further 2022 dates will be announced soon.
Red Balloon Tracklist:
Intro (featuring Wayne Brady)
Mr. Bluebell
Anxiety
Oak Tree
Communion In My Cup (featuring The Hamiltones)
Who’s In Charge
Why Try
No ID
Black Folk (featuring Alex Isley and Masego)
Café Du Monde (featuring Jamison Ross and Trombone Shorty)
Easy Goes It (featuring Lalah Hathaway)
Stolen Fruit
Big (featuring Big Freedia)
Heavy
Jellyfish
Where Do We Go (featuring Lalah Hathaway and Jacob Collier)