Banquet Darling returns with “Shivers and Echoes,” the third and final single ahead of the release of the sophomore album NOW, and it’s one sultry curtain-raiser. The project of Newcastle-based artist Todd Kilby, Banquet Darling has always thrived on bending genres and expectations. Having spent years travelling the world as a circus acrobat, musician, and director before fully embracing songwriting, Kilby brings an adventurous spirit to his music. That fearless creativity continues here, blending indie rock, post-punk grit, psychedelic textures, and irresistible grooves into a track that’s equal parts seductive and rebellious.
From the get-go, “Shivers and Echoes” grabs attention with its thumping rhythm section and gritty, playful drumming that practically dares listeners to move. Distorted guitars inject a rough, grimy edge while flashes of shimmering piano quietly sparkle beneath the surface with a glint of elegance.
Then there’s Kilby’s vocal performance, which becomes the song’s secret weapon. His husky yet light voice glides confidently across the beat, delivering every line with effortless charisma and a teasing sense of flirtation. The phrasing locks perfectly into the rhythmic pulse, making each lyric feel playful and hypnotic. As the grooves deepen, the vocals purr and swagger, matching the song’s exploration of desire, power, concealment, and vulnerability without ever sacrificing musicality for shock value.
Lyrically, the track peels back the polished veneer of suburban normality to hint at the hidden tensions and intimate dynamics unfolding behind closed doors. It lets mood and atmosphere do much of the storytelling, making the sensual themes feel intriguing instead of obvious. That restraint gives the song an alluring mystique.
With “Shivers and Echoes,” Banquet Darling demonstrates once again that genre labels are merely suggestions. It’s catchy, darkly playful, and packed with personality, offering an enticing preview of what NOW promises to deliver when the full album arrives. If this single is any indication, Todd Kilby is continuing to carve out a wonderfully unconventional corner of modern alternative music.
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Review by: Naomi Joan