Chicago – For months I had been told to check out Wolf Alice, and for months I disobeyed the orders. From friends and fellow music journalists, to DJs on the radio, it seemed everyone and their mom was praising the U.K. foursome, who I knew only from the alternative radio single “Moaning Lisa Smile.” When I saw they were set to play Lincoln Hall, I knew this was my chance. It was now or never. I jumped in head first, not knowing what the musical depths had in store, but I soon realized why Wolf Alice quickly sold out their Chicago show. Vocalist and guitarist Ellie Rowsell, bassist Theo Ellis, guitarist Joff Oddie, and drummer Joel Amey put on quite the mesmerizing show!
Wolf Alice has been making music since 2010. The Londoners released their first proper single in 2013, and this summer they put out their long awaited debut album, My Love Is Cool (Dirty Hit Records/RCA). The band mixes indie rock, 90s grunge, and garage rock, moving between sweet, heartfelt ballads and fast paced headbangers, leaving listeners a jumble of emotions. At times, Tuesday night’s performance left audience members nearly teary-eyed, swaying back and forth, while at other times, people thrashed around, shaking heads and pumping fists.
Wolf Alice started the night off with ”Your Love’s Whore” and splendid, sparkling guitars. The band didn’t say much between songs, other than Rowsell thanking the crowd from time to time. Instead, they worked their way through a wicked set list, that included the oldies “She” and “Blush,” the latter of which took listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, tugging at heart strings at each turn. Of course they played songs off My Love Is Cool, including “Bros,” “Fluffy,” and “You’re a Germ.” They also played “Storms,” off the Creature Songs EP. “The Wonderwhy” was magical and a pleasure to hear live. “Silk” was also fantastic and stirred fans to sweetly sing along. “Swallowtail” changed things up with Joel Amey on vocals. After thrashing around to “Giant Peach,” the gang left the stage but soon returned to the cheering crowd with “Turn to Dust,” for an encore. Wolf Alice ended the set with “Moaning Lisa Smile,” causing the room to erupt in excitement. Theo Ellis jumped off stage, strumming his bass around huddling fans. People wildly jumped around, moaning, “aaaaaaaaaaaah!”
Fellow U.K. band Drenge warmed things up for Wolf Alice, thrashing, crashing, and dancing all over the stage at Lincoln Hall. I had also been told by many to check out Drenge. Almost every band I’ve spoken with from across the pond raves about the sibling duo of Eoin Loveless (guitar) and Rory Loveless (drums). U.S. rockers Radkey are also fans. Well, Drenge lived up to their reputation, putting on a killer show.
Live Drenge becomes a trio, with Rob Graham on bass. In an interview with Best New Bands, Eoin Loveless said the addition of a bass player “freed Rory’s drumming up and gave [him] a bit more room to be more clumsy at guitar.” While Eoin may find himself getting “clumsy,” their music is anything but. The three put on a tight show, starting with “Never Awake,” off sophomore album Undertow. They also played songs from their debut, like “Face Like A Skull” and “I Want to Break You in Half.” Between songs the guys cracked jokes. When introducing themselves as a band from Sheffield, Rory assured us in a heavy English accent, “Not your Sheffield, our Sheffield.” Rory also commented on what a hot day it was and quipped, “I was expecting wind.”
Drenge closed their set with “Running Wild.” Fans sang along and shook their heads to the beat. My only complaint for the night lies with the audience. People were much too calm. Clumsiness and chaos – like that seen in the mosh pit at Reading – were needed to complete an evening of Drenge. Chicago, you disappointed me! Drenge, I promise we do have some hardcore music fans in the Windy City. Hopefully your next visit will be complete with more punks, willing to get wild with you wonderful lads!
New York rockers Made Violent also opened up for Wolf Alice, bringing some Strokes-eque garage rock. Drummer Justin Acee, bassist Joe White, and guitarist Rob Romano were ready to rock after missing a previous show due to an accident on the road. “Wasted Days” filled faces with smiles and got people moving. The Buffalo trio gained attention with this single and its interactive music video, especially overseas in Europe.
Given their performance at Lincoln Hall, it’s safe to say they’ll soon gain a following in the U.S. too. This past February, Made Violent released their debut eponymous EP, via Columbia Records. The guys played through Made Violent but also played some new material, like “Wave to Ride” and “Touch.” Seems a clear sign we’ll soon see a full-length from Made Violent. Expect to see and hear more of Made Violent because they are fantastic!
Made Violent, Drenge, and Wolf Alice are all currently touring North America. Wolf Alice will soon return to Europe, touring well into the new year. A full list of dates is available on the Wolf Alice Facebook page.
Photos by Sarah Hess for BestNewBands.com.
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
Latest posts by Sarah Hess (see all)
- The Wild Feathers Check One Off The Bucket List - July 31, 2017
- RY X Captivates Chicago - October 24, 2016
- Four New Bands at Day Three of Riot Fest - September 20, 2016
Pingback: Wolf Alice Join The 1975 On Tour