Crossword Genius

Breaks the band up (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

parts

'breaks' is the definition.
(I know this)

'band up' is the wordplay.
'band' becomes 's trap' (both can mean a strip of material).
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'strap' written backwards gives 'PARTS'.

'the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for parts that I've seen before include "bits" , "Leaves" , "Components of strap" , "Strap (anag.)" , "Areas" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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