Middle Kids and Joe P
Irving Plaza // New York, NY // Sept. 20, 2021
Photos and review by Jess Williams
It was announced in the spring of 2019 that New York’s iconic Irving Plaza would be closing for the summer for renovations. The summer turned to fall, and fall turned to winter. Then, just as winter turned to spring the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was truly starting to feel like I’d never be able to return to the venue that was where I got my start in the New York music scene almost a decade ago. So when I heard that Irving Plaza reopened right when live music came back, I knew that I needed to catch a show there… stat! On September 20th, I got to return to the venue that means so much to me. Australian indie-rock band Middle Kids, brought their “Today We’re The Greatest” tour to Irving Plaza, with New Jersey indie pop artist Joe P.
I arrived at the venue and received my credentials. I climbed the stairs up to the concert hall and took in all the changes that had occurred within these walls over the last couple years. I could barely contain my excitement to be back, covering this show at Irving Plaza.
Joe P
Asbury Park, NJ native, Joe P took the stage and instantly commanded the crowd. I had recognized Joe as the lead singer of the now defunct New Jersey band, Deal Casino, but this was my first time seeing him perform solo. Donning the comfiest looking oversized cardigan, Joe and his head of thick, luscious curls captivated the audience. The crowd was moving and dancing to every single song and Joe would flip his hair back and forth to the beat — letting the music take control. At the end of his 30 minute set, he invited the audience to join him in the final chorus of his final song. He taught the crowd the lyrics, accompanied by some unique dance moves that featured a hip sway and a “tent” hand gesture. “See? Everyone feels more comfortable with the tent move. So, if you do that? You’re golden. If you do the hips? Brownie points.” Joe said to the crowd before ripping into the final chorus and despite the crowd wearing their masks, the smiles were definitely still visible.
Middle Kids
The clock struck 9 and it was time for the main event. The last time I saw Middle Kids was when they were opening for Sylvan Esso at the Prospect Park Bandshell in 2017. In those four years, Middle Kids have certainly grown exponentially — I mean, look at them now! They’re on their own North American headlining tour and slotted to play Firefly Music Festival this year!
The Australian band kicked off their set with “Cellophane (Brain)” and I was instantly captivated. Lead singer Hannah Joy’s voice has always piqued my interest and been a pleasure to listen to. The energy of Tim Fitz and Harry Day, on bass and drums respectively, was unbeatable. The band played a lengthy 14 song setlist that offered the crowd a wide variety of Middle Kids songs, including “Edge of Town”, “Stacking Chairs”, and “R U 4 Me?”. After a brief pause and some chants for an encore, the band returned for their three song encore that consisted of “Golden Star”, “Big Softy”, and “Don’t Be Hiding.”
It’s clear to see that Middle Kids are still just getting started. There’s a lot more in the band’s bag of tricks and I cannot wait to see where they go from here. If they continue having killer, unforgettable performances like their show at Irving Plaza on September 20, then it is certainly only up from here!
