Live
29th May 2025
As they claim the stage in major arenas, indie-rock's most talked-about quartet demonstrates that their raw live performance has not lost any of its essence.
When Wunderhorse revealed their headlining show at London’s Alexandra Palace, marking their largest performance to date, it showcased just a hint of the relentless ambition driving this band. On the surface, there’s a sense of modesty about these four reserved and mysterious figures, whose collective presence almost contrasts with the fierce intensity of their music. Behind the scenes, they've worked hard to earn this opportunity. After years of playing in various bands and early versions of Wunderhorse (initially the solo project of frontman Jacob Slater), things started to gain traction for the indie-rock group with the 2022 release of their debut album ‘Cub’, followed by last year’s successful ‘Midas’ which propelled them into the spotlight. Fans were covering songs before their official release, Sam Fender invited them to open his UK arena tour, and they attracted the largest audience ever seen at the BBC Introducing stage at last year’s Leeds Festival. With 10,000 energetic supporters making their way up the hill to Ally Pally for tonight's performance, it seems their momentum is unassailable. For a band whose latest album is rooted in the intimate confines of small gig venues, the pressing question is: can they deliver in an arena? As they step out to The Waterboys' ‘Don’t Bang The Drum’, Jacob and the band unleash ‘Midas’, its relentless riff bouncing around Ally Pally, living up to its title. Three songs in, the emotionally charged ‘Emily’ cuts through the noise, reaffirming why Wunderhorse’s live shows are characterized by and thrive on unfiltered impulse.
Accelerated renditions of ‘Leader Of The Pack’ and ‘Purple’ keep both the band and the crowd engaged, almost serving as a contrast to the polished arena-rock sounds that typically dominate this venue. Jacob removes his sunglasses, letting raw emotion pour through during ‘Purple’, where a lengthy pause in the bridge gives everyone a moment to bask in the bliss. New track ‘The Rope’ – set to hit streaming platforms next week – follows, confidently crafted in the same vein as ‘Midas’. Unsurprisingly, some fans already seem familiar with every lyric. The band’s primarily youthful audience stands out in contrast to the older indie enthusiasts and ‘6Music dads’ often seen at performances by groups like Fontaines DC or IDLES. Despite the band having to release a statement regarding “aggressive and unacceptable behavior” at last week’s Birmingham show, the atmosphere at the front remains vibrant and euphoric for most of the night. “Feel free to move,” Jacob playfully encourages before ‘Rain’ – which briefly references Dick Dale’s classic ‘Misirlou’. Likely saving their strongest number for last, the Nirvana-inspired ‘July’ is ready to resonate in a space this size, serving as the perfect finale to their set. While tonight signifies a collective realization that Wunderhorse’s rise is at unprecedented heights, their live performance is still grounded in the same core principles. With more arenas on the horizon as they ride this continuous wave of excitement, their confidence and authenticity will serve them well.
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As they assert their presence in major arenas, the most talked-about indie-rock quartet demonstrates that their raw live performances have retained all of their authenticity throughout the journey.