WOLF ALICE PERFORM AN INTIMATE SOLD-OUT SHOW AT STOKE-ON-TRENT’S SUGARMILL AS PART OF THE MUSIC VENUE TRUST & THE NATIONAL LOTTERY PROJECT #REVIVELIVE

★★★★★ (5/5)

WOLF ALICE PERFORMING AT STOKE-ON-TRENT’S SUGARMILL - 25.09.2021
PICTURE BY: | IAIN FOX PHOTOGRAPHY

The Music Venue Trust & The National Lottery project #ReviveLive are using grassroots venues around the country to deliver uniting musical experiences that we've not had the opportunity to experience for a long time. As part of this project, Wolf Alice deliver one of these moments that many in attendance will never forget.

The previous time they played in Stoke was back in 2014. Things have changed for the band since then. Having now adopted the mantle of one of the great British guitar bands of the 21st century, it's fair to say that they could have filled the tiny venue ten times over, and for those in attendance it was a real privilege to experience Ellie and co. in such intimate surroundings. Deciding to play their latest (and best) record Blue Weekend in its entirety made the evening even more delectable.

There's a smouldering intensity to opener 'The Beach' and this was augmented by the deep red stage lights and swirling dry ice. The album's maturity and sophistication translates really well in the confines of the Sugarmill; 'Delicious Things' and the perfect 'Lipstick on the Glass' delight the very lucky audience, but it will come as no surprise to hear that it is the funky, punky vibe of 'Smile' that really adds fuel to the crowd's engine. Theo's bass threatens to burst ear drums and Joff's guitar splinters with industrial finesse.

The perfect thing about Blue Weekend is the structure. It seems to have been designed for the live environment and after the fireworks of the previous track the more gentle harmonizing of 'Safe From Heartbreak...' calms the storm. The magnificence of 'How Can I Make it OK' maintains this sophisticated ballast before the tsunami of 'Play the Greatest Hits' sweeps over the delighted fans once again. Ellie jives and Theo kung-fu kicks with abandon. "That was fucking SICK!" cries someone lucky enough to get to the front and the same refrain is repeated after the cinematic sweep of 'The Last Man on Earth' is performed, despite some technical issues disturbing Ellie's focus on this gorgeous song.

The extended six song encore features the expected 'Bros', 'Moaning List Smile' and 'Giant Peach' amongst others and the crowd's appreciation of this very special gig during these moments just seems to increase as it's impending end becomes a reality with the cool strains of 'Don't Delete the Kisses'. Everything about this evening has been perfect. The band. The fans. The venue. You could tell we'd all missed this. A LOT!