Wolf Alice, the celebrated indie rock band, have once again transformed their sound and aesthetic, delivering a spectacular and glam-rock-infused performance at a packed Manchester Arena. The show proved to be a triumphant display of their artistic evolution, marking what could be their most complete incarnation to date.
A Sparkling New Era
Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell commanded the stage with a new-found theatricality, abandoning her previous tousled blonde look for a style reminiscent of PJ Harvey on a glam-rock bender. She strutted across the stage in a striking black leotard adorned with red hearts, a visual statement that matched the band's audacious new sound. The playful confidence was palpable as Rowsell giggled into the microphone during 'The Sofa', declaring her right to wear 'sparkly knickers' without judgement.
The band's reinvention was not just skin deep. Their set was steeped in 70s rock references, from glowing glitter-rock aesthetics to the speedy, chugging riffs reminiscent of bands like Hawkwind and Black Sabbath, which Rowsell delivered powerfully on her Gibson SG. The stage was draped with tinselly tassels, enhancing the full-throttle cabaret theatre vibe that defined the night.
A Journey Through Sound
Wolf Alice masterfully guided the audience through their diverse musical history. They opened the evening with the crooning ballad 'Thorns', showcasing a more delicate side before blustering into the energetic, tom-heavy 'Bloom Baby Bloom'. This ability to shift gears has been a hallmark of their career, which began over 15 years ago as a north London folk duo comprising Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie.
Drummer Joel Amey was given a moment to shine, taking on lead vocals for 'White Horses' and driving the song forward with a slightly proggy, krautrock-inflected surge. Another highlight saw the band plucking acoustic guitars during a chant of 'Let the branches wrap their arms around me', creating a moment that felt like a pagan seance strung out by the Incredible String Band.
The Power of a Voice
Throughout the genre-bending set, the most consistent and impressive element was Ellie Rowsell's formidable vocal performance. She did not falter once, effortlessly adapting to the band's grunge snarls, 90s alt-fuzz, and new glam-rock ambitions. Her voice has only grown stronger with each iteration of the band, placing her on par with the glam gods the night referenced.
The emotional peak arrived when Rowsell addressed the crowd, remarking that the sight of fans huddling at the front with iPhone torches aloft made her cry. It was a poignant moment in a vast arena, underscoring the band's deep connection with their audience. Despite their critical acclaim, including a Mercury Prize win for 'Visions of a Life', it remains puzzling that wider mainstream fame or a number one hit has eluded them. However, with their recent move to a new major label, that could soon change.
The Manchester performance was part of a wider UK tour, which continues until 8th December. For a band that has worn many skins, this current glam-rock bender feels like their most fun and fully realised chapter yet.
