In 1971 Banks, singer Colin Carter, bassist Ray Bennett and drummer Mike Hough formed Flash and sessions began for a first album for Sovereign/Capitol Records, with Tony Kaye guesting on keyboards. The record appeared in 1972 (called simply "Flash") and had a warm reception, with the single, "Small Beginnings" rising to #28 on the Billboard Charts. Subsequent to Kaye's involvement, Flash continued without a keyboardist. Flash recorded and released its second album ("In the Can") in November that same year, with the singles "Lifetime" and "Children of the Universe" (from the first album) receiving significant airplay. A third album, "Out of Our Hands" was released in 1973. Due to on-going personal tensions within the band, including Banks meeting a new girlfriend, singer Sidonie Jordan, and wanting to form a band with her, Flash broke up while on tour in America in 1973.