Tank and the Bangas: A Fusion of Poetry, Soul, and Joyful Chaos - Fri Apr 4, 2025 - 8:00 PM Wooly's, Des Moines, IA,

Tank and the Bangas are more than just a band—they are an experience. Hailing from New Orleans, this genre-blending collective fuses spoken word, jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk, and rock into an electrifying sound that is impossible to categorize yet utterly captivating. Fronted by the dynamic and charismatic Tarriona "Tank" Ball, the band has gained a devoted following thanks to their infectious energy, lyrical depth, and ability to turn any stage into a celebration of music and storytelling.

Origins and Rise to Fame

The band formed in 2011 after meeting at an open mic event called Liberation Lounge in New Orleans. With Tank’s background in slam poetry and a lineup of incredibly skilled musicians, they quickly developed a sound that set them apart. Their breakthrough moment came in 2017 when they won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, beating out thousands of other entries with their stunning live performance of "Quick."

The Tiny Desk performance showcased their ability to seamlessly blend genres, switch moods on a dime, and engage audiences with an irresistible mix of playfulness and sincerity. Following this win, they garnered national and international attention, leading to major festival performances and a growing discography of critically acclaimed work.

The Sound and Style of Tank and the Bangas

What makes Tank and the Bangas so unique is their ability to defy musical conventions. One moment, they deliver powerful slam poetry with deeply introspective themes, and the next, they launch into a full-on funk groove that gets everyone dancing. Their music is often playful and humorous, but beneath the surface, it carries messages about love, identity, resilience, and social issues.

Tank’s expressive vocal style—ranging from tender and soulful to fierce and theatrical—keeps listeners hanging onto every word. The band’s instrumentation, featuring keys, horns, bass, and drums, adds layers of rich texture that make their live performances an immersive experience.

Notable Albums and Songs

Their 2019 album Green Balloon showcased their evolving sound, featuring standout tracks like "Nice Things," "Ants," and "Hot Air Balloons." The album was a vibrant mix of R&B, hip-hop, and funk, capturing both their lyrical prowess and instrumental creativity.

In 2022, they followed up with Red Balloon, an album that continued to push boundaries, addressing themes of Black identity, self-empowerment, and the complexities of modern life. Songs like "No ID" and "Communion in My Cup" demonstrated their ability to balance social commentary with infectious grooves.

The Live Experience

Tank and the Bangas are, first and foremost, a live band. Their performances are legendary for their theatricality, improvisation, and sheer joy. Whether performing at intimate venues or massive festivals, they bring an energy that turns every show into a communal celebration.

Their concerts often feel like a rollercoaster ride—one moment, the audience is captivated by an intimate spoken word piece; the next, everyone is on their feet, dancing to an explosive funk breakdown. This ability to take audiences on an emotional and musical journey is what makes them truly special.

The Future of Tank and the Bangas

With each new project, Tank and the Bangas continue to innovate and surprise. They remain one of the most exciting and unpredictable bands in contemporary music, and their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries ensures that their future will be just as thrilling as their past.

For those who have yet to experience Tank and the Bangas, there’s no better time than now. Whether through their recorded work or, ideally, a live performance, diving into their world is an unforgettable experience—one filled with soul, poetry, and the joyful chaos that makes music truly magical.