Celebrating their 40th anniversary with their first collection of new music since their 2019 comeback LP ‘In Stereo, Bananarama have shared the title track from their new album ‘Masquerade’. Now a duo made up of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward, the legendary UK girl group return with an ode to 80s synth-pop single a la Pet Shop Boys.
About their new full length Sara stated “When I was in lockdown there were a lot of conversations happening to do with inclusivity, diversity and gender and racial equality. So I had this idea of ‘masquerade’: how you present yourself in different ways depending on the situation, but really, you just want people to be able to live how they want to live. It’s a song we’re really very proud of.”
Former electro-pop song ‘Favourite’ was originally featured on Sara’s singer-songwriter daughter Alice Dallin-Walker’s (Alice D) 2018 LP ‘Narcissus’, and she still features on the new rendition, but they have made it their own.
Regarding the single Keren said: “It’s just a brilliant pop song.” “We’ve done a different take on it but with Alice on backing vocals because we couldn’t not use her ad libs, they’re just too good.”
Formerly a trio (that included Siobhan Fahey) the re-imaged Bananarama duo originally intended to release an EP, but when the pandemic hit and their live shows were shelved, the pair opted to carry on with their songwriting journey.
Dallin, now 60, said: “I love writing songs it’s probably my favourite part. Shutting myself away and coming up with ideas and then telling a story in less than 4 minutes, it really is quite an art.”
Woodward, now 61, agreed: “Arranging the music, vocals and harmonies really is our forte.”
Having sold 30,000,000+ records throughout their career, Bananarama are celebrating four decades since the release of their debut single, ‘Aie a Mwana’.
To celebrate the launch of the ‘Masquerade’ the album, due out July 22, Bananarama are slated to play two special shows this summer at London Lafayette on August 3 and 4. Tickets for which are now on sale at aegpresents.co.uk.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Raph_PH