“The Last Balloon” Sees Tank and the Bangas Close a Trilogy in Style
Image Credit: Jeremy Tauriac
GRAMMY-winning collective Tank and the Bangas are not easy to box in, and that’s exactly what makes them one of the most refreshing acts in music right now. Their latest release, The Last Balloon, closes out the band’s celebrated “Balloon” trilogy while simultaneously pointing toward a bold new chapter.
Led by the magnetic Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the New Orleans outfit continues to blur the lines between hip hop, jazz, spoken word, R&B, pop, funk and soul with remarkable ease. Released through Verve Forecast, executive-produced by frequent collaborator Austin Brown and recorded primarily at The Complex Studios in Los Angeles, the album is described as an exploration of “frustration, resilience and self-realisation,” balancing vulnerability with joy. That emotional balance is exactly what makes The Last Balloon such a rewarding listen.
Track one, “Rest,” immediately sets the tone. The lyrics feel more like affirmations — reminders you can say to yourself. Sonically, it roots the project in hip hop, jazz, R&B, modern pop stylings and spoken word, while confidently introducing the emotional language of the album.
“Ain’t That Deep” follows effortlessly with infectious modern pop-funk energy and another clear message grounded in self-belief. By the time “Don’t Count Yourself Out” arrives, the empowering themes continue while soft afrobeat textures begin to emerge, further expanding the album’s already rich palette.
Then comes “No Invite,” where Tank fully steps into rap mode. If you appreciate “rapping”, she is rapping rapping — like the rent is due. Sharp, commanding and full of personality, it’s an immediate gym playlist addition.
“Move” feels like a moment where the project elevates yet again. By track five, you already feel like you’ve listened to a fantastic EP that could comfortably stand on its own — and then more arrives. The afrobeat influences continue, reinforcing how well-rounded Tank and the Bangas are as artists. More than anything, the song builds excitement for the future and for where their artistry could continue to evolve.
Image Credit: Jeremy Tauriac
“Go Your Own Way” keeps the momentum alive with feel-good energy. At this point, the album invites you to dance and simply enjoy yourself.
“Is It Over?” delivers one for the melodic playlists, giving you everything you would want from a song like this, right through to the closing plea: “please don’t tell me it’s over.”
The brief “Interlude” quietly becomes one of the project’s most important moments. Here, we’re invited deeper into a perspective and understanding of this current stage in their journey. As the trilogy closes, the idea of being “ready to stay still” becomes powerful. There’s something exciting about an artist embracing stillness, reflection and growth, especially when you sense even greater evolution ahead.
“Whole World” introduces a subtle rock-out moment while still fitting seamlessly into the project. Sonically, it feels like a sunny afternoon. “Jealous” pairs sounds of 2000s chart R&B and hip hop — think Timbaland-influenced production — with contemporary youthful lyrics and flows.
“Honeycomb” is another melodic standout, with Akeem Ali delivering a fitting feature full of effortless flow. “Oh Boy” begins to signal the emotional closing stretch of the album before “Nighttime” wraps the experience up beautifully with something smooth enough to vibe out to on the way home.
The Last Balloon is a fantastic project — one so enjoyable it almost leaves you wishing it were a double disc. But perhaps that feeling is important; an invitation to revisit the earlier chapters of the trilogy. Even standing entirely on its own, this album succeeds completely in being exactly what it is meant to be.
Listen to The Last Balloon by Tank and the Bangas. Out now on all platforms.
