Live Review & Gallery: Indie Alt-Pop Sensations Joan & the Giants Light Up Oxford Art Factory – Eora/Sydney 16.03.24

Over the weekend, a captivating spell was cast in the depths of Oxford Art Factory’s spacious confines. Joan & The Giants, the indie alt-pop powerhouse from Boorloo/Perth, enchanted an intimate gathering of fans, weaving a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. Comprised of Grace Newton-Wordsworth, Aaron Birch, Riley Sutton, and Liam Olsen, the band continues to charm audiences with their dynamic indie-rock vibes.

Riding high on the success of their 2023 milestones, marked by the release of standout singles like ‘Beg’ and the acclaimed ‘Cool Kid’, Joan & The Giants have garnered significant acclaim nationwide. Their inclusion in P!NK’s Australian tour underscored their rising stature in the music scene. Honoured with seven nominations at the WA Music Awards last year, including wins in categories such as Best Alternative/Indie Act, Best Single, and Best Music Video, the band’s talent is undeniable.

At the Oxford Art Factory, Joan & the Giants effortlessly navigated between introspective musings on love, heartache, and self-discovery, and irresistibly infectious beats, even treating the audience to a fiery new single.

A standout moment of the evening was their rendition of Middle Kids’ ‘Edge of Town’, paying homage to fellow Aussie alt-rockers while imprinting their own unique sound. Frontwoman Grace Newton-Wordsworth commanded the stage like a celestial force, her bare feet tapping out rhythms, her shimmering attire catching the light as she leapt with abandon.

The palpable chemistry among the band members was a testament to the organic genesis of Joan & The Giants, sparked by a love story between Grace and Aaron in 2019. Smiles were abundant, and a sense of camaraderie infused the air as if the audience were privileged witnesses to a gathering of friends clearly pursuing their passion.

Joan & The Giants delved into their repertoire, unveiling a treasure trove of hits. Fan favourites like ‘Beg’, along with their latest releases ‘Good Time’ and ‘Born in the Wrong Time’, ignited fervent responses from the crowd, who sang along with gusto. The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the performance of the acclaimed single ‘Cool Kid’, as Grace rallied the audience to join in, voices uniting in affirmation, ‘I was never the cool kid!’

Joan & The Giants will be finishing up their tour with performances at Hyperfest in Perth on Sat 23rd, and Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle on Sat 30th. Catch them if you can, and experience the magic for yourself.