Alex G @ Roadrunner 9/10
Photography by Rachel Bernstein
Review by Kyra Papillo
Manifesting into the scene in 2008, Alex G, an indie rock artist, got his start producing experimental tunes on the platform Bandcamp, where he independently released music that quickly garnered an underground following. At the time, Bandcamp was still an emerging space for young artists, but Alex G, whose real name is Alexander Giannascoli, embraced its DIY approach. His raw, lo-fi recordings and prolific output helped him develop a dedicated online fanbase before being signed to a record label in 2015. Since then, he has steadily transformed into one of the most innovative and talked-about artists in the indie scene, maintaining his unique experimental edge while stepping onto larger stages. With the promotion of his newest album, “Headlights,” this artist created a setlist filled with both new and old classics from his discography. Prior to this tour, Alex G had not been on tour since 2023. Sparking his long-awaited return, fans were more than excited to see the release of another album followed by a full North American tour.
Nilüfer Yanya, the opener for the “Headlights” tour, was nothing short of an experience. Blending jazz, soul, and electronic elements, Yanya seamlessly created a unique taste of her cultivated discography. Among the crowd, the audience was quite receptive to her distinctive style, symbolized by clapping, swaying, and dancing around. While her time on stage was short, Yanya played some fan favorites such as “Midnight Sun” and “Method Actor.” Her music set up the audience perfectly for an enjoyable concert, while also introducing fans of Alex G to a complementary artist who shares a similar ability to blur genre lines.
To kick off the evening, Alex G’s drummer, Tom Kelly, broke a snare, which gave the headlining artist time to interact with the audience and tell a story. While he was eagerly searching for something to share, he landed on a playful retelling of “The Three Little Pigs,” which he mockingly teased the audience for not knowing how it ended. To transition into his next song, Alex G cleverly used the conclusion of the story to open up into “Gretel.” This electronic intro sent the crowd into a frenzy. To continue this memorable moment of the night, Alex G eventually transitioned into the song “Runner.” As one of my personal favorites, this track was incredibly special to witness live and had the audience screaming along to every word. Debuting on the 2022 album “God Save the Animals,” “Runner” has remained steadfast in its popularity among his fans.
Part of Alex G’s success lies in his ability to bridge the intimate bedroom-recording aesthetic of his early work with the more polished, experimental production of his recent albums. His songwriting often combines elements of indie rock, folk, electronic music, and even country, making him difficult to categorize. This genre-blending approach was on full display during his set. He frequently incorporated guest engagement throughout the night, showing off his quirky personality. Accompanied by jumping onto stage props in between lyrical breaks and using voice modification to enhance his electronic indie rock sound, Alex G was nothing short of a performer. At one point later in the set, he even brought out an accordion to partner with his music, a surprise element that I don’t believe anyone in the audience was expecting.
To demonstrate the rise in his popularity, Alex G not only filled Roadrunner for September 10th, but also sold out the venue the following night. This accomplishment speaks to his steady growth over the years, from being a self-released Bandcamp artist to a headliner capable of commanding large venues across the country.
To complement his encore, Alex G played some longtime favorites such as “Mary” and “Sarah,” which were the songs that propelled his popularity around 2015 and introduced his music to a wider audience. Hearing these tracks live felt like a nod to his earlier career, reminding fans of the journey he has taken as both a musician and performer. As some of my favorite pieces from him, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to experience these songs in person.
What makes Alex G stand out, however, is not just his musical talent but the way he embodies authenticity. Even as his venues have grown larger and his production more sophisticated, he retains the DIY spirit that first attracted fans to his music. His lyrics often dwell on themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of modern life, all filtered through a soundscape that feels both experimental and accessible. At Roadrunner, this sincerity was understood. Through his humorous storytelling, bold experimentation with instruments, and sheer energy with which he performed, it is clear Alex G enjoys his career.
Overall, Alex G’s “Headlights” tour marked not only a return to live performance but also a celebration of how far he has come as an artist. From his humble beginnings on Bandcamp to selling out back-to-back shows in major cities, he has proven himself to be one of the most versatile and enduring voices in contemporary indie music. For fans, the night was more than a concert. This was an affirmation of Alex G’s continuing evolution and a glimpse into the next chapter of his career.
