If G Flip’s new album “Dream Ride” is meant to represent movement, their October 3rd show at Roadrunner proved that momentum isn’t just a metaphor. The Australian multi-instrumentalist brought a sense of drive (pun intended) to every inch of the stage, making it clear that the “Dream Ride” era has its foot firmly on the gas pedal.
Mercer Henderson: Bangs, breakups, and big pop energy
Before G Flip’s arrival, opener Mercer Henderson set the tone with a short but memorable set that straddled humor, heartbreak, and high-energy pop. After her first song, she looked out into the crowd and grinned: “You guys ready to hear about all my ex-boyfriends?”
They absolutely were. Her songs toe the line between punchy breakup anthems and shimmering synth hooks. Her music would fit perfectly on a playlist between MUNA and Olivia Rodrigo. Her set played through her bigger hits, including a new single “Different, Worse Version” released just the night before. Maybe the most endearing moment of her set came when she noticed a few fans at the barricade had clipped on fake drugstore bangs as a tribute to her signature look.
A set for a joyride
When the lights dimmed for G Flip’s arrival, the stage came to life like the dashboard of a vintage car. The LED screens built into the drum kit flickered like headlights, while a panoramic backdrop displayed a lone car cruising down an open highway. It was a cinematic setup that mirrored the visual world of “Dream Ride.”
G and their band wasted no time getting into gear. Opening with “Disco Cowgirl,” the album’s breakout single, G Flip didn’t save the big hits for the end. They started with them. The room exploded as the drums kicked in and G Flip took the mic with the same blend of swagger and sincerity that’s become their calling card.
A masterclass in multi-instrumentalism
Throughout the night, G Flip rotated between roles like a one-person army. One song they were behind the drum kit, the next they were shredding on guitar or picking up a saxophone for a perfectly chaotic solo. It was the kind of versatility that could come off as showy in the wrong hands, but here it just felt joyful. Like someone who’s genuinely in love with the craft of making music.
Between songs, they paused to thank the audience for showing up, especially anyone dealing with anxiety. “I know it can be hard just to be here,” they said, “so thank you for making the effort.” It was an off-the-cuff moment that cut through the spectacle, reminding everyone that beneath the powerhouse performance is a person who still leads with empathy.
That humanity carried through all the way to the end of the night, when G Flip walked the edge of the stage pointing out individuals in the crowd, mouthing “thank you” over and over again. A lot of musicians thank their fans at the end of shows. None take the time to do it as sincerely as G Flip.
The drive ahead
The setlist leaned heavily on “Dream Ride,” but there were nods to fan favorites and even a few surprises. In a cheeky wink to the date (the release day for Taylor Swift’s latest album “The Life of a Showgirl”) G Flip launched into a drum-filled cover of “Cruel Summer.” It landed perfectly, blending pop polish with their rock-leaning energy and turning what could’ve been a novelty into a genuine highlight.
If the new album’s theme is about movement, this show perfectly encapsulated that vision. G Flip’s sound is bigger, bolder, and more refined than ever, but what makes them magnetic isn’t perfection, it’s their presence. Every smile, every instrument switch, every thank-you felt genuine and personal.
G Flip’s “The Dream Ride Tour” continues through 2025. Get your tickets here!
