A few weeks ago, a friend spontaneously invited me to a concert on a Thursday night in October. I had never heard of G Flip, and I would’ve probably said no on a typical night due to my studies. But I said yes, purely out of curiosity. By the end of the night, I was not only more than glad that I went, but my vocal cords were even demanding rest. It was a night of unabashed joy, pure passion, and unforgettable solidarity.
Aussie singer, songwriter, and drummer G Flip aimed to break through the American music scene during their Philadelphia stop of the Drummer Tour, their first–ever US leg. Following their highly successful debut in Australia with About Us, G recently premiered their second LP, Drummer, to smashing reviews, reaching number one on the Australian Albums chart, and receiving their first–ever ARIA nomination, including Album of the Year. G, who is also queer and non–binary, credits their late mentor Jenny Morrish for not only teaching them the drums but also helping them discover their identity and learn how to live as their fullest self. It’s not hard to see why their music resonates with audiences; Drummer teases indie pop full of heart and grit. Both projects display the artist’s ethos of authenticity and inclusivity.
That Thursday night was a one centered around queer solidarity and acceptance. Miki Ratsula, a Finnish–American nonbinary artist, was the opening act with a repertoire of self–love and healing. By the time the main act came to the stage, everyone was already buzzing from excitement, fully primed to scream their hearts out. Fashioning their signature shades and a pair of Drummer–emblazoned pants, G began with a literal bang—on the drums! The opening number was a mosh–worthy, infectious drum solo that perfectly set the mood for the night.
During the show, the drummer showcased an aura of self–assured confidence. G switches between the drums, the keyboard, and the guitar throughout the night, displaying true musicianship and versatility, while serving powerful vocals. “Rough” was an absolute smash, as the drummer and two bandmates played on drums specifically created for three. The guitar (and cell phone lights) was whipped out for “Australia,” a nod to their home that doubles as a song of longing and heartache for a loved one afar. “Good Enough” merges piano ballad and pop rock, mixing self–doubt with the right amount of yearning, allowing the audience to scream the chorus at the top of their lungs.
The drummer didn’t shy away from connecting with the audience, not just emotionally, but physically as well. During “Hyperfine,” G jumped over the barrier separating them from the audience and partied with the crowd. In one of the segments, G brought up an audience member who insisted the drummer sign her actual butt cheeks, which G cheekily did her bidding. Later on, the singer took off their shirt, signed it, and gave it to someone in the front row, all while the guitarist played a spontaneously concocted “Butt cheeks” song. To the crowd's delight, the drummer also gave their love to Philadelphia itself by fondly retelling their experience with a Philly cheesesteak. And, of course, they gave a message expressing their unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, with an occasional nod or two to their wife, Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause. G knew their audience well, and their playful yet sincere demeanor certainly attracted new fans, including myself.
If the main act showcased G the drummer and the artist, then the encore revealed the stripped–down G with endearing intimacy and spirit. Removing their shades and bandana, the Aussie artist began with “Lover” from their debut LP. With G on the keyboard, the pop ballad turns from a soft plea to an earnest chant. G’s polished yet raspy voice shone in this number, with everyone in the audience singing along. The final two songs contrasted this with self–deprecating, yet reassuring candor. It’s a sight to see an audience finding solace with each other while calling themselves “The Worst Person Alive” and then having rambunctious fun to the closing number “Gay 4 Me.”
G Flip is what American indie pop needs right now, and their tour in the US is only the first step at global domination. With their rapid–fire drum skills, a confident yet unafraid–to–be–vulnerable personality, candid but still playful lyricism, and earworms for the ages, G Flip commanded the crowd at the Foundry to its fullest might. Hopefully soon, the entire world will follow suit.
