Photo Credit: Emma Thompson
Arguably one of the most anticipated comebacks of the 2020’s, the return of WOLF ALICE began to make waves throughout their fanbase as they switched from Dirty Hit to Columbia Records back in 2024. Sparking rumours of new music was about to come, it took just over 12 months for people’s wishes to come true. With a #1 album under their belt for this year’s masterpiece ‘The Clearing‘, and the bands’ biggest UK tour to date rounding off their highly successful year, there is nothing finer than a Leeds crowd on a Friday night to welcome them back.
With the hype of their new record still at its peak, it was evident the set will be filled with songs from their chart topping fourth album. A packed arena screamed the moment the lights were turned down, and after a phenomenal intro to ‘Thorns‘, fan favourite ‘Bloom Baby Bloom‘ swiftly followed. Roswell’s vocals have certainly reached a whole new level with this new record, and she perfected this with every song on the night. Strutting around the stage and laying down on a turntable at the back of the stage, the cinematography displayed on the screens was something that will work perfectly for either a music video or a live release in the future. Mesmerising.
‘White Horses‘ made it three for three from the new record, but the moment the first note of ‘Formidable Cool‘ was heard, it was clear that fans of their 2017 release were in attendance too. Tossing between ‘The Clearing‘ material and tracks from their previous three records made up the strong set list, giving fans of all eras a moment to showcase their efforts from the seats and packed standing section. ‘The Sofa‘ is arguably their biggest hit right now, and with more perfect move-like action displayed on the screens, this was more than just an ordinary gig, WOLF ALICE were going all in with their production.
‘Delicious Things‘ and ‘Play the Greatest Hits‘ remain firm favourites, while ‘Play It Out‘ and ‘Giant Peach‘ set up a fantastic finale for the band’s twentieth track of the night, ‘Smile’ to build up the anticipation of an exciting encore to conclude the bands’ return to Leeds in style. Returning to the stage for two final hits, ‘The Last Man On Earth‘ and ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses‘ rounded off WOLF ALICE‘s triumphant arena display, proving that their personal growth, evolutionary sound and enthralling production is what has set them above the rest. This further builds up the excitement of their Tramlines festival headline booking, for what could be a perfect occasion to end ‘The Clearing‘ era on an even bigger scale for another Yorkshire recital.
Taped Magazine 