Concert Review: Wolf Alice "Plays The Greatest Hits" at Emo's on 9/30

Written By Claire Hookstra

Photographed by Mckenna Sefcik

The lights dimmed, the band crept onstage, and a singular, shining light dawned upon Ellie Roswell. 

The UK rock band Wolf Alice graced the Emo’s stage in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, September 30. The night began with an opening set by indie-rock singer-songwriter Willy Mason, who shared the stage with only a drummer and fellow guitarist. A backdrop of floor-to-ceiling silver, sparkling streamers decorated the stage, along with a glimmering disco ball, fully transporting the audience into the world of The Clearing, the group’s latest record. As it crept near 9:10 pm, the lights shut off, and Wolf Alice entered the stage to an eruption of screams from the audience. 

With no introduction, the group moved directly into “Thorns,” the opening track off of The Clearing. “How Can I Make It OK?” was played next, a familiar favorite to the audience as they drew closer to the stage, completely captivated by lead singer Ellie Roswell’s commanding stage presence. Joined by fellow band members Joff Oddie (guitar), Theo Ellis (bass), Joey Amel (drums), and touring member Ryan Malcolm (keyboard), the English rock band worked together in time to create the spectacle before the audience. It’s rare these days to see a 4-5 piece band play together, work together, and create live before your eyes. While it may seem that this is the premise of a concert, it’s surprising how many modern solo artists rarely recognize their band, standing much too far in front of them to seem collaborative. Wolf Alice, on the other hand, felt like a true, classic, and perfectly executed rock unit. 

“Just Two Girls,” a more jazzy track off of The Clearing, got the crowd wailing the lyrics back to Roswell, “We’re just two girls at the bar / Like two kids, in the park / Here’s the stage, you’re the star.” This song marked a shift in the setlist, introducing a pattern of more relaxed ballads, until the echoey intro of one of the band’s biggest hits, “Bros,” crept through the speakers. Excited chatter and cheers buzzed through the room as the ultimate coming-of-age soundtrack burst through the band’s instruments and vocals. 

Red and blue lights chaotically flashed as Roswell intensely sang the lyrics of “Yuk Foo” through a megaphone, while Ellis interacted enthusiastically with the crowd, urging them to scream and cheer at the beginning of every new track. “Play the Greatest Hits” kept the beautifully chaotic rock n’ roll energy going, as the crowd jumped and danced under the green light that illuminated Emo’s. 

“Bloom Baby Bloom” acted as the closing track, before the band quickly returned onstage for their biggest hit, “Don’t Delete The Kisses.” Bubbles emerged from the stage, friends and partners around me hugged those close to them, and the audience smiled and screamed the iconic question, “What if it’s not meant for me….. Love?” 

Wolf Alice is a force to be reckoned with. The group’s ability to deliver a heartfelt ballad to get the crowd hype enough to almost start a mosh pit is an energy unlike any other band on the scene today. From disco balls to bubbles, ‘The Clearing Tour’ is certainly something not to be missed.