BANKS Launches ‘Off With Her Head’ Tour in Seattle

We were lucky enough to catch BANKS a few months ago for a special in-store event at Easy Street Records in Seattle getting a little taste of her new songs. It was time to get the full effect of the Off With Her Head tour which was kicking off at the Paramount Theater. Jillian Rose Banks who is known professionally as BANKS has been a favorite in the city that she now resides in. The last time we caught her at a show was for III at the Showbox SoDo which still remains so memorable.

The first thing we noticed as Absolutely was opening the show was that the stage was empty with only a piano located to the right side. When it was time for BANKS to take the stage, a chair was added in the middle and the projection screen was ready to display the visuals. “Guillotine” started, and BANKS walked to the front holding a mask and sat on the chair. There was no band and no dancers, just her in a white dress ready to perform. The first track had a spotlight on her as she danced around sitting on the chair holding the mask which was in line with the album art.

After the high of “F*ck With Myself,” BANKS performed my favorite “Gemini Feed,” which she finished standing on top of the piano. Felt a little scary looking at her so high up but was also extremely impressed she did it wearing high heels. It was a little weird to see someone perform at this venue without a live band, but BANKS did play the piano for “Someone New,” and “Drowning” where we heard her voice capabilities much more. Given that it was the first night of the tour I’m sure things would change around and that any hiccups would be fixed.

The main set ended with the biggest hit off her fifth album, “I Hate Your Ex-Girlfriend,” her collab with Doechii. This was a highlight of the night with the audience noticeably coming alive and dancing even harder than before. This song goes pretty hard so not surprised at all from the response. I really enjoy listening to her music as every record contains a different development and creating vibe. BANKS knows how to captivate and evolve her sound to create good music.

The fact that she stood alone on-stage all-night shows just how confident she really is and how she commands the room. This is so impressive and not done often by many. BANKS returned for an encore playing “Waiting Game,” and her biggest hit, “Beggin for Thread,” as the audience took it all in one last time. The set felt short for the amount of music she has released but I’m sure things will get added where they fit. We always want to witness more of her talent and hear more favorite tunes. If she’s around your city, make sure you check her out.