Wolf Alice Live
"Ancient architecture, flying guitars, pounding drums, never-ending mosh pits. But also... soft pop songs, flowers, breathtaking vocals, disco balls, and dancing."
March 19, 2018 ~ Mayan Theater, Los Angeles
It may have been finals week for my fellow students at UCSB, but I decided to hit pause on my responsibilities last Monday night for a quick trip to LA. I have no regrets. One does not, and should not, pass up the opportunity to see Wolf Alice live.
I was first introduced to this band a few years ago after the debut of their first album, My Love Is Cool. That album was weirdly both fun and sharp at the same time. It contained a few gems and signaled the band had wonderful potential. I witnessed their electric live performance abilities at Coachella in 2016 and fell captive to their spell. Wolf Alice is a band that brings likability to a type of raw energy that’s usually only found in obscure heavy punk music. Their eclectic sound perfectly walks the line between pop and alternative rock.
Now it’s two years later and they are embarking upon a massive tour in support of their sophomore album, Visions of a Life. I won’t go into too much detail now, but that album solidifies Wolf Alice as one of the most dynamic up-and-coming bands around. Read the full Redefining Records review of that album here.
Now onto the show…
The venue was perfect. If you’ve never been to the Mayan before (this was my first time), then you must see a show there as soon as possible. The walls and ceiling are lined with seemingly ancient cladding to give the impression you are actually in some kind of exotic pyramid. The place was sold-out and was supposedly the largest crowd the band had ever played for in LA.
Wolf Alice came out firing. The show started with Visions’ opener “Heavenward” and continued with an extensive setlist that covered the majority of the new album as well as plenty of old favorites. I will never grow tired of hearing the entrancing “Bros”. Their development really brought a new edge to their old stuff and gave real evidence to their progression.
Every one of the musicians was extremely talented and well rehearsed. Ellie Rowsell was the undeniable star of the show. Her vocals were breathtaking and heartfelt. The tone of her voice was even more impressive live than in recordings. Her performance of “Silk” had everyone in the venue speechless.
Joff Oddie was a spectacle on the right side of the stage. One moment he was flinging his body around and the next he was launching his guitar six feet in the air. Joel Amey’s drumming was steady and controlling. The crowd moved at his command. His backing vocals fit like a glove, and I would love to hear him highlighted even more on a future track. Theo Ellis’ bass playing kept a relentless groove going and added a real punch to the sound.
The lighting was perfect. A massive disco ball made a few well warranted appearances to set the mood. The crowd never stopped moving and the frontline was moshing whenever the drums were beating.
Go see this band, go listen to their albums. Buy their stuff, start a cult in their honor, I don’t know.
👍👍 / 👍👍
