The Bird, Friday April 10, 2026
Back to The Bird on a Friday night — a dangerous place to be if you’re trying to drink less. Leah Grant hosted the night and, once again, the venue was full of love from eager punters and bands alike. What a great time to be part of the Perth/Boorloo scene.
Swan Drafts opened the evening with a delicate acoustic set while the audience sat picnic-like on the floor in front of the stage. The guitar work from Shawn Cygnus is special — someone worth keeping an eye on as the music develops. Gatorade Bong is both an inspired name and a very good song.
Goodbye Forever followed and showed that two people can make a hell of a racket. Their guitar, bass, synth and looper setup was engaging, delivering a set that was somehow both casual and intense. Isn’t it great when you go to a gig for one band and another completely captures your attention? Keep an eye out for these guys, highly recommended for something a little different.
Time for the first full band of the night with Jackson Christie taking the stage. The harmony-heavy three-piece play a poppy brand of indie that is hard to pinpoint. Bright, catchy guitar-driven verses that mutate into big choruses, driven by the fine vocal work of the frontman and co.
Symmetrical Dogs took to the stage next and showed us exactly how to do it. Somehow managing punk rock energy with just an acoustic guitar, Michael Woodbridge is one of those musicians you can watch but never quite understand. Maybe the word is sublime — it goes beyond normal comprehension. Combine that with intricate drumming and the charismatic Claire up front, and you have something pretty special. Can’t wait to see what this young group does next.
Main event now. Leah Grant is a treasure to the Perth/Boorloo music scene, and the appreciation in the room made that clear. Backed by a full band and a nicely decorated stage, she showed off the depth and quality of her songwriting.
Grant’s sound is big — post-rock, with folk at its core — built on excellent guitar work and vocals that reach the stratosphere in the biggest moments. It’s a striking contrast to her seemingly quiet demeanour. Is there anything better than someone who transcends when they step on stage?
Her band rose to the occasion, elevating the songs with fine noise-making guitar and big, dynamic moments throughout. The set moved between intimate lyrics (“I give it all up”) and head-shaking heaviness — a combination that sounded fantastic in the room.
Leah Grant has released EPs Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and after seeing her live for the first time, we’re ready for Vol. 3.
