On a gentle summer night, Melbourne's Forum played host to the first of two sold-out, all-ages shows by FINNEAS, marking his much-anticipated return to Australia.
Known for crafting timeless pop with an experimental edge, the Grammy- and Academy Award-winning artist proved once again why he's fascinated audiences worldwide.The evening (13 January) began with an eerie, hypnotic intro as the stage turned crimson, and the sound of a musical carousel filled the packed room.
Teens, parents, and fans of all stripes erupted into cheers as FINNEAS took the stage, launching into 'Starf...er'. The crowd was electric, shouting every word, especially the cheeky "you sad f...er," setting the tone for an intimate yet dynamic performance.
Shifting to green lights, 'Lotus Eater' followed, its pulsing rhythm keeping the energy alive. The tempo eased slightly for 'Cleats' before transitioning to a cherry-pink glow for the sweet, heartfelt 'Sweet Cherries'.
Image © Danielle Annetts
The set ebbed and flowed seamlessly, with quieter moments like 'What's It Gonna Take To Break Your Heart?' offering a breather amidst the intensity. A standout of the night was 'Angel', a hands-in-the-air moment that saw the audience swaying in unison.
The collective spirit continued with 'The Kids Are All Dying', as the crowd sang every word with palpable emotion. However, it was 'Partners In Crime' that brought the house down, with the first few keys triggering a euphoric eruption of cheers and sing-alongs.
In a charming interlude, the crowd joined FINNEAS in singing 'Happy Birthday' to a fan named Lilly – a moment that underscored the personal connection he fosters with his audience.
The set's latter half showcased FINNEAS's storytelling brilliance, moving through tracks like 'A Concert Six Months From Now', '2001', and 'Little Window'. The tender 'Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa' gave way to personal highlights, 'Only A Lifetime' and a hauntingly beautiful cover of 'Till Forever Falls Apart'. These moments felt transformative, reminding the audience why they were drawn to his music in the first place.
Image © Danielle Annetts
As the night approached its end, FINNEAS introduced his band – a testament to the collaborative spirit behind his latest album, 'For Cryin' Out Loud!'. With a seamless blend of live instrumentation and his signature production style, the record's tracks came alive in a way that felt both fresh and timeless.
The finale was unforgettable. 'Let's Fall In Love For The Night' and 'For Cryin' Out Loud!' closed the show on a high, leaving the audience in awe of FINNEAS's ability to connect deeply with his fans through every lyric, melody, and heartfelt moment.
For a Monday night, it was a warm and intimate performance showcasing FINNEAS's unique ability to connect with his audience through his music and presence. As he continues to explore creative boundaries, it's clear his artistry remains as thoughtful and engaging as ever.
More photos from the concert.
