For a band that never makes plans, Bananarama are doing an excellent job at sticking around.
“After a ten-year break, we’ve done two albums quickly,” says Sara Dallin with a laugh. “I hope it doesn’t take another pandemic to get us to do the next one.”
The latest is Masquerade, an electro-pop record born out of lockdown boredom that ended up doubling as an unintentional celebration of their 40th anniversary. “We were just going to do an EP,” recalls Keren Woodward. “But lockdown kept going, and so did we.”
There’s a celebratory energy to Masquerade, but also something deeper—an undercurrent of reflection that courses through tracks like “Forever Young” and “Waiting For the Sun to Shine.” The record’s sound spans synth pop, Euro club, and what the duo lovingly calls “gothic disco.” Sara explains: “We’ve got monks chanting, harpsichord moments, a little Tudor in there. It’s basically a historical drama come to life.”
So yes, Masquerade is dramatic, but also cohesive. Where their previous album (In Stereo) had songs collected over years, this one came together in a short, focused burst. “That’s why it all hangs together so well,” Keren says. “I think it might be my favorite we’ve ever done.”
One unexpected twist? Sara’s daughter, singer-songwriter Alice D, co-wrote several tracks, including standout “Bad Love.” “She brings something totally different,” Sara says. “She’s got her own sound, but she’s intertwined in our lives. She even does our social media.”
Lyrically, the songs pull from the past and present—romantic memories, old friendships, and hard-won wisdom. “Masquerade” itself is more than just a title track—it’s a mission statement. “It’s about being comfortable in your own skin,” says Keren. “When you stop caring what people think. We’ve always done what we do well, and we’re still doing it.”
The pandemic’s emotional weight also found its way in. “Waiting For the Sun to Shine” is a quiet anthem of perseverance. “It was about the loneliness, the loss, just hoping things would get better,” says Sara. “A song of hope.”
Bananarama have always stood out for their DIY spirit, something rooted in the punk scene they grew up in. “That whole don’t-tell-me-I-can’t-do-it attitude—we still carry that,” Sara says. Keren adds: “We’re totally in control now. We release our records. We choose our teams. We decide what we want to do and when.”
And as for what’s next? The duo remain coy, but promise anniversary surprises are on the way. Touring is already happening, with fans snapping up tickets across the UK. And yes, they’d love to come back to the U.S.
“Cruel Summer,” still their most beloved hit stateside, is enjoying yet another renaissance—most recently covered by Lorde at Glastonbury. “It’s always flattering,” Sara says. “That one just has something about it. A certain type of magic.”
Keren agrees. “It doesn’t really sound like anything else from that era. It just takes you somewhere.”
Even four decades in, Bananarama are still taking us somewhere. Sometimes it’s velvet-curtained period disco. Sometimes it’s punk resolve wrapped in glitter. But it’s always distinctly them.
And that’s the magic.
Watch the interview above and then check out the videos below.
