Wolf Alice live at Mountford Hall, Liverpool with support from Matt Maltese

22/02/22

I’ve been a fan and a follower of Wolf Alice for many years now, watching the North London 4-piece rise to the point of winning the Mercury Prize and more recently best group at this year’s BRIT Awards.

This show, like many others across the country, was delayed due to COVID but I’m guessing that tonight’s performance will be well worth the wait. The atmosphere in Mountford Hall seems warm compared to the miserable weather outside, but all that doesn’t matter tonight as I take my seat in the viewing gallery above the crowd and I enjoy tonight’s support act, 

Matt Maltese, keys_Credit:Billy Vitch

 Matt Maltese

Matt, like the guys from W A lives in Camden, and I’ve heard lots about him and how he’s had songs go viral on TikTok and other platforms. I can see why W A have asked him to support tonight as his vibe does fit nicely with some of the more gentle songs on Wolf Alice’s last album, Blue Weekend. Matt plays seven songs for us, himself on organ and vocals, and his two bandmates making up the rhythm section. Matt has a cool sound, I notice how well he sings and his lyrics are dramatic and interesting. I can hear a little bit of Declan McKenna and a touch of Damon Albarn in his songwriting here. Standout songs are ‘ You Deserve Better, ‘Curl Up and Die’ and especially ‘As The World Caves In’, a song that he wrote about Donald Trump and Theresa May “getting it on.” He’s an interesting guy who already has a huge following, if you haven’t seen him and his band already, then maybe you should do so. 

Theo_Wolf Alice_Credit: Billy Vitch

 It’s not too long before our heroes from North London take to the stage. They look amazing tonight, Ellie in a black dress and black boots, Joff and Theo wearing their suits, and Joel in his waistcoat, sitting high up on his drum stool. I’m Initially struck by how stylish they all look but soon I’m captivated and mesmerised by their stagecraft, right from ‘Smile’, which opens the set tonight, this band are so professional. The foursome blast through songs from their three albums this evening and every song seems like a treat to the eyes as well as the ears. The more raucous songs like ‘Play The Greatest Hits’ and ‘Giant Peach’ along with ‘Smile’ and ‘Your a Germ’ dovetail effortlessly with more gentle offerings such as ‘The Last Man On Earth’ and ‘Don’t Delete The Kisses, ‘Silk’ is still my favourite though.

Ellie_Wolf Alice_Credit: Billy Vitch

 Ellie is so charismatic and vocally gifted when she stands silhouetted on the drum riser to sing ‘Feeling Myself, it’s a beautiful moment. Indeed, the whole band seems to have some kind of magic about them, Theo is the fun guy and he’s great at getting the crowd involved in the revelry, as is Joff with his very innovative playing, he plays some of the best “noise guitar” that you’ll see and hear. Joel is a great versatile drummer who adds some very important backing vocals. This certainly is a band on top form tonight, I actually think this might one of the best bands that I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been going to gigs for three and a half decades now. In all, we get 18 songs and the standouts for me are ‘Formidable Cool’, Joff playing like his guitar was about to explode and Ellie gliding about the stage like a young Debbie Harry. ‘Bros’ gets a great reception and Theo dedicates it to Markus Dravs, who produced ‘Blue Weekend’, Theo telling us that Markus is originally from The Wirral. ‘Giant Peach’ stands out too, not just because it’s such a heavy tune, but also due to the giant circular mosh pit that was going on down below me, truly amazing scenes.

Joff_Wolf Alice_Credit: Billy Vitch

The band gets a well deserved warm, heartfelt standing ovation when the show is over and afterward I spoke to two fans, Ella & Sophie, and I asked them what they thought of the show, they said that they were amazed at what an eclectic set of songs it was, and I agree with them, W A have something for everyone. It’ll be interesting to see where Wolf Alice go from here, stadium rock maybe? I think anything is possible for these guys and I can’t wait to go and see them again in Manchester next week.

 Review: Dave Clare

Photography: Billy Vitch

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