WALLOWS // O2 CITY HALL, NEWCASTLE
WALLOWS LIVE AT NEWCASTLE’S O2 CITY HALL
★★★★★ (5/5)
WALLOWS PERFORMING LIVE AT NEWCASTLE’S O2 CITY HALL
PHOTOCREDIT: JAMES ROBINSON
A cold night in Newcastle couldn’t hold back the buzz and anticipation surrounding the O2 City Hall as Wallows stopped by on their ‘Model’ world tour. They’ll go on to deliver a performance that showcased their multi-faceted artistry, seamlessly blending elements of the classic sounds of indie rock, pop and alternative. All while making it look easy, having fun and with unmatched on-stage chemistry.
Starting the night was an engaging opening set by the talented Matilda Mann, her delicate vocals and introspective lyrics captivated the crowd and left them eager for more.
Wallows kicked the show off with the infectious ‘Your Apartment’ quickly setting the tone for an evening filled with catchy melodies. The crowd was fully engaged from the get-go, often being louder than the music itself, especially when the drums of ‘Scrawny’ kicked in!
The show wasn’t without a glimpse of their personalities, with Braeden giving a small speech about Primark, and how much he loved it! Cole added to the lighthearted vibe when he mentions that his lunch was exactly what everyone thought it would be, a Greggs sausage roll! Electiting laughter and cheers around the venue. The down to earth banter further endeared the band to everyone, and made the night seem like a gathering of friends rather than a concert.
To add to the ‘gathering of friends’ vibe, a personal highlight for me was the B-Stage segment. A tiny living room was quickly assembled on stage as Dylan entertained the fans in the front row by being up to the barrier. Braeden, Cole and Dylan gathered round a stool, keyboard, some equipment cases as seats, and a lamp, creating an apartment-like feel. The trio went on to perform “Pictures of Girls” and “1980s Horror Film” - the latter being fittingly on theme for the time of year!
Returning to the original stage setup, they surged into some high energy songs including ‘Calling After Me’, ‘Remember When’ and ‘I Don’t Want To Talk’, which had the pit bouncing front to back.
As the night drew to a close, the encore featured a fan favourite ‘Are You Bored Yet?’ and they ended on the euphoric ‘Only Ecstasy’. A fitting end to a joyous evening.
Wallows’ performance was a testament to their versatility and charisma. Their individual skill levels were on full display as they seamlessly took up different roles within the show. They effortlessly navigated a well executed setlist that spanned their
