Review: Banks - The Forum, Melbourne

On a cold and dismal Tuesday night in the middle of winter, thousands of eager Melbournians gathered together at the iconic Forum Melbourne. The crowd waited in anticipation, gazing at the incredible starry night-sky ceiling and classic Roman statues that surrounded them. After playing to thousands at Splendour in The Grass, BANKS treated Melbourne fans to an intimate performance.

Jillian Rose Banks, better known as BANKS, walked onto the stage shrouded in a black veil held up by two dancers with black nets masking their faces. Haunting noises, red lights and BANKS’ signature on-stage choreography set the mood. BANKS wasn’t just here to perform a few songs. She was here to tell a dark and dangerous story.

The Californian native started her incredible set list with “Poltergeist” from her 2016 sophomore album, ‘The Altar’. As the title suggests, this song is terrifying and twisted. But it was immediately evident that BANKS has a special relationship with her fans. Her ability to genuinely connect with fans over these eerie and thrilling beats is her métier. BANKS then played the feel-good tune “Fuck With Myself”. The crowd roared and danced. It was clear that this was a fan favourite.

BANKS’ distinctive style is dramatic yet infectious. Her hypnotic voice, eerie production and honest lyrics are extremely intriguing to listen to through headphones, let alone live. BANKS smoothly transitioned to upbeat tracks that had ticket holders swaying and singing every word in perfect unison with the American songstress.

BANKS quickly changed the dynamic of the theatre when she performed “Mother Earth”. She began her performance of this empowering song with the sounds of nature playing over the speakers. Birds could be heard chirping, leaves rustling and rain dripping. A fairytale-like narration was played and BANKS used movement to engage her audience. The rawness and vulnerability in BANKS’ voice was enchanting and concert-goers were left mesmerised.

BANKS continued to please her loyal day ones by performing “Waiting Game” and “This Is What It Feels Like” from her 2013 ‘London’ EP. The electro-infused, dark R&B sounds of BANKS are uniquely beautiful. BANKS’ hard work over the last few years has cemented her as an innovative artist who is not afraid to push the boundaries. BANKS thanked her dancers and the two musicians who accompanied her on the stage. These four people were pivotal in creating the eerie vibe of the night and delivered an implausible performance. BANKS walked off stage and the lights turned off. However, Melbourne BANKS enthusiasts wanted more and stomped the ground and chanted until she returned to stage. The Californian singer charmed the audience even further by ending the night with the deeply personal song “27 hours”.

Brave, bizarre and bewitching. Her name is BANKS.

Written by: Maree Risteski

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