JOAN & THE GIANTS Lay Bare Love and Loss In New EP 'The Five Stages of Grief'

Joan & the Giants drop their heartbreaking and emotive EP ‘The Five Stages of Grief’ on Thursday, August 14 - an EP that explores the ending of the relationship between front woman Gracie Newton-Wordsworth and former guitarist Aaron Birch.

Joan & the Giants have carved out an international reputation, sharing stages with P!NK and Tones and I at Perth’s OPTUS Stadium, captivating crowds at SXSW in Texas and Sydney, and making their mark at BIGSOUND with their powerful sound and electrifying live energy. Now, alongside the release of their new EP, they prepare for a completely sold-out support slot for The Fray’s 'How To Save A Life' 20th anniversary tour this December and their own headline tour.

Their 6-track EP was written and recorded during one of the most difficult times that Gracie Newton-Wordsworth had ever experienced, resulting in a narrative arc that captures the process of mourning her turbulent 9 year relationship with the band's now-former guitarist Aaron Birch. With some songs written together and some apart, this EP truly reflects its namesake, ‘The Five Stages of Grief’.

The first stage: denial. 'Feels Like Heartache' begins the EP with the feeling of being caught in the purgatory of a relationship one can't bring themself to leave. This song begins with a slow and melancholic melody played on acoustic guitar and tender vocals packed with yearning and pain, and builds to a peak, with the kick-in of drums forging an unforgettable buildup and a release of sorrow.

The second stage: anger. 'How Could You' is a track straight out of a coming-of-age movie, with its up-tempo drums and bittersweet tune that crescendos with rage and pain as it sheds the analogue quality the song begins with and becomes utterly visceral and unapologetic.  Written by Gracie when she was putting up a front of her internal life, this song is the embodiment of how the attitude of "the show must go on" can result in chaos.

The third stage: bargaining. This song was written by Aaron after the decision to part ways was made. 'All I Know' is built on painfully honest and self-deprecating lyrics that long for another chance the writer thinks he doesn't deserve. Slow piano paired with vocals that bleed with emotion make this song a heart-wrenching affair.

The fourth stage: depression. A song that weighs heavy on the mind, ’When You Were Mine’ is a soft, stripped-back, and poetic song that reflects on the fallout.  Written when Gracie and Aaron were touring together, every day was a reminder of the relationship that had just ended, and even though they were living a dream they'd had since they were teenagers, they couldn't help but drown in sadness.

The final stage, acceptance, is a little different. This stage is offered two tracks, the first of which is 'Still Breathing', a song that acts as a farewell to Aaron as he and the band part ways.  Born from a jam session, this song captures the tragic passion of their separation in its free-flowing  nature. With two tracks of guitar, one percussive and one melodic, it straddles the line of soft pop and kicked-up rock.

The final track on the EP and second stage of acceptance is ‘Part of Me’. First written on a cheap guitar by Grace while on tour, this song marked the point where she'd accepted that she'd hit rock bottom, and that all the light that had bloomed between them, encouraging their creative energies to bloom, had finally dulled. With a more upbeat tempo and vocals that soar, this song marks the album's end with something hopeful for the path that lies ahead.

Gracie Newton-Wordsworth shares her feelings behind this EP, stating:

"For a long time I felt like a butterfly trapped in a cocoon, not being able to see the light —but that is changing and I’m starting to spread my wings and find peace, joy and freedom. This EP is an embodiment of grief, love and survival — a painful chapter transformed into music and now healing."

Join Joan & the Giants as they say goodbye to the past and hello to the future in their deeply personal EP ‘The Five Stages of Grief’, out on Thursday, August 14, ahead of their upcoming headline tour.

The Five Stages of Grief Tour

Sat, Aug 16 – Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne - w/ Jordan Ravi | Tickets
Sat, Sept 18 - The Espy, Melbourne w/ Nana's Pie Band
Thu, Sep 25 – Lulies Tavern, Melbourne - Free Entry
Sat, Sep 27 – Vic On The Park, Sydney- Free Entry
Sun, Sep 28 – The Triffid Beer Garden, Brisbane - Free Entry

The Fray's 'How To Save A Life' 20th Anniversary Tour

Wed, Dec 3 - Metro City, Perth - SOLD OUT
Fri, Dec 5 - Eatons Hill, Brisbane - SOLD OUT
Sat, Dec 6 - Enmore Theatre, Sydney - SOLD OUT
Sun, Dec 7  - Forum, Melbourne - SOLD OUT
Tuesday, Dec 9 - Forum, Melbourne - SOLD OUT
Wed, Dec 10 - Enmore Theatre, Sydney - SOLD OUT