Wolf Alice
– CLUB ACADEMY, MANCHESTER –
Manchester is often a tough crowd for bands. The city’s arguably unparalleled musical heritage means us Mancunian folk expect a lot when we venture out on a wet Wednesday evening.
But Wolf Alice have no problems with that. The London four-piece are welcomed to Club Academy like returning heroes, with an adulation often reserved for groups who wore their short trousers in this fine city.
The group, comprised of lead singer Ellie Rowsell, Joel Amey, Joff Oddie and Theo Ellis, who have so far released two EPs and three singles, powered through an hour long set which features ‘Fluffy’, ‘Moaning Lisa Smile’ and ‘Storms’.
Even without a debut album to rely on, the words are religiously sung back at them, which even seems to surprise Wolf Alice themselves. The band seem genuinely humbled at the reception of the crowd, which is largely comprised of teenagers and university students.
Their punchy, ferocious brand of alternative rock sounds like a mix of early Smashing Pumpkins and, at times, the reverb soaked sound of The XX and Cocteau Twins. The near sell out crowd are also treated to some new cuts from their eagerly anticipated debut album. Following a successful summer including performances at Glastonbury and headline gigs throughout the country, the four-piece are readying themselves to take the next step.
On the evidence of this set, their debut album could catapult them into the consciousness of the music mainstream, a la Royal Blood. Manchester will no doubt be fully behind them.
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Manchester is my heaven, Matt Busby once said. I don't think he was wrong. We have the music, the football, the culture and people to rival any city in the world. Once we get that beach... I am a local journalist by trade, and contribute to the news section of the Silent Radio website.
