[Gig Review] FROM ASHES TO NEW (US) & BANKS ARCADE (AU) @ 170 RUSSELL, 11.10.26.
Another Sunday night and another grateful and giddy venture into Melbourne’s CBD to do what I love the most–immerse myself in a nocturnal sonic experience performed and organised by talented and creative professionals and attended by like-minded souls. Another live music gig.
Local Melbourne-based metal talent Banks Arcade fronted by vocalist Joshua O'Donnell had the crowd whipping up their phones to capture moments on songs including 'Last Time' and 'Wait' from their recently released Second Place Superstar LP.
With a Rawwwrr! and Thank You! O'Donnell subsequently incited an early circle pit lit by blue lights that formed the eye of a storm brewing from the onset of 'Yuck!'
One thing about this venue is that when it's populated, you may as well descend into the pit and get amongst it like a plethora of keen revelers did tonight.
As expected, our token banana outfit made an appearance, which was a segway into O’Donnell announcing, "I wanna see my banana man crowd surfing and, like, ten people after him", and this crowd largely obliged.
Thereafter, clean vocals formed a brief lull in their set on 'Don't Miss' while several surfers took flight seizing opportunity, all this happening while the lyrics "So if I tell you to shoot, don't miss" painted a picture of life imitating art.
This was my first intimate experience with From Ashes to New, having first viewed them from afar at Good Things Festival 2024, and their first tour down here. The closeness tonight was literal, with significantly more people populating the venue from the barrier to the bars.
Prior to the band’s appearance on stage, this crowd were treated to a refreshingly nostalgic and uplifting 'Backstreet's Back' over the PA that gave me a smile and a chuckle that alleviated any anticipatory tension.
FATN kicked off their set with a breathy and ambient 'Love Me' as the room echoed the sentiments, many savouring the moment with their devices.
For the uninitiated like me, the gym-bro- boy- band intro became evidently fitting when they appeared and took their places.
Of course, none of that vibe lingered, as they moved on with the distinctly different and heavy 'Nightmare' which hit with a visceral velocity that electrified the room. Even relatively early on, their set was an enthralling and thoroughly entertaining spectacle.
"Melbourne, let me hear your voices!" was met with a boisterous crowd reply during 'Heartache', and the nu-metal rap rock groove vibes on 'Drag Me' had many moving with elation. This wildly popular US chart topper was wholly embraced by this Melbourne audience. The kinetic activity was too contagious to remain in one spot, which propelled many including myself to move and groove. This was a pinnacle point for me, with the crowd participation adding to the invigorating atmosphere. See Insta for footage that speaks volumes here.
'My Name' received a rap-through for those in the know, as I lapped up the previously unfamiliar lyrics from my base at the back with my fellow millennials.
The FATN song that first attracted my interest 'Barely Breathing' was played to a rowdy house reception, before 'Villain', 'Through It All', 'Nothing', 'Black Hearts', 'Die For You' and 'Panic'.
Rap vocalist Matt B was given the honour of a heartfelt happy birthday by the entire room that felt so wholesome to witness.
The From Ashes to New Australian tour with Banks Arcade continues with a show tonight at Adelaide’s Lion Arts Factory before concluding at Brisbane’s The Triffid 15th October. Tix available from DestroyAllLines here.
LINKS:
FROM ASHES TO NEW:
BANKS ARCADE:
Inner-Strength Check Links:
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