By Isabella Sicilian
Walking into The Anthem on October 7th for Alex G’s show, I immediately realized I might be the oldest person under 25 in the room. Surrounded by a sea of teenagers in funky hats and oversized jeans, and forty-year-old hippies in beanies excited to whip out their leather jackets as the weather dipped below 70 degrees for one of the first times this fall, I felt decidedly uncool—but that’s just part of the Alex G experience, apparently.
The venue buzzed with anticipation as British musician Nilüfer Yanya opened the night, warming up the crowd before the main event. When Alex G finally took the stage with his live band—a group of guest musicians rather than a regular touring lineup—the energy shifted. Football field-style lights flashed at the audience, new colors flaring for different beats, and it became clear this wouldn’t be your typical intimate indie show. The live band deserves serious credit for nailing the heavier, more produced sound that Headlights demands throughout the night. I stayed toward the back (being short has taught me that observing from a distance often offers me the best view), and from there I could see the crowd jumping and swaying during the heavier songs. The production felt slightly over the top at times, and the arena-style light show seemed almost too much for the relatively calmer indie rock music. It was an interesting contrast to Alex G’s DIY roots, though the dedicated fan base didn’t seem to mind.
If there’s one thing that defines Alex G’s stage presence, it’s his endearing awkwardness. Between nearly every song, he stumbled through a “thank you,” occasionally adding “we’re excited to be here” before diving back into the music. He was reserved, almost uncomfortable, yet somehow that awkwardness felt authentic rather than off-putting. And yes, he really does sound like that live—his voice carries that youthful, almost boyish quality that’s become his signature. The entire setlist drew exclusively from Headlights, which disappointed me a bit. I was hoping to hear older favorites like “Forever” or “Animals” from Trick, but it made sense for a major label debut tour. What I personally love about Alex G is his guitar work, and while it was present, I wished it had more room to shine through the heavier production.
The real surprise came in the last third of the concert when Alex G announced they had “a special song” before launching into a rock-heavy cover of “Monster Mash,” complete with distorted guitars and plenty of noise, and the crowd immediately erupted in cheers. It was the perfect way to kick off spooky season in the first week of October. Despite feeling initially intimidated by the impossibly cool crowd, I found myself comfortable in the awkward indie vibe that filled The Anthem that night. Alex G’s dedicated fanbase, the teenagers in funky hats and big jeans, knew every word, swaying and singing along with genuine passion. There’s something special about an artist who can keep such an unpolished, authentic presence even after moving to a major label. Alex G stays true to himself, awkwardness and all.
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