Wolf Alice Prove Why They’re One of Britain’s Best Live Bands
The London alt-rockers delivered an intense and intimate career-spanning set in support of their Mercury Prize–nominated new album.
By Laura Harvey
Photos by Laura Harvey
- Published on
It’s clear from the first note that we’re lucky to be seeing Wolf Alice at the Commodore Ballroom — a relatively intimate space for a band now packing arenas across Europe. The London quartet arrived in Vancouver near the end of their North American tour, playing to a sold-out crowd in support of their Mercury Prize–nominated new album, The Clearing.
It’s wild to think Wolf Alice have been a band for 15 years, because they’re performing with the energy and confidence of artists just hitting their creative peak. Their evolution has been nothing short of astonishing. Live, they’re a study in contrasts — opening with the sweeping ballad “Thorns” before diving headfirst into the feral punk energy of “Yuk Foo” and “Play the Greatest Hits.” Moments later, they strip it all back for an intimate, harmony-laden rendition of “Safe From Heartbreak,” proving their dynamic range is as emotional as it is electric. Long-time fans are rewarded too, with early favourites “Giant Peach” and “Bros” reminding us just how deep their catalogue runs.
But it’s Ellie Rowsell who commands the night. Her vocals — fearless, elastic, and impossibly expressive — carry every song with visceral power. On The Clearing’s standout “Bloom Baby Bloom,” she sounds like an artist completely in her element, guiding the band through waves of catharsis and euphoria.
They close, of course, with the shimmering anthem that started it all, “Don’t Delete The Kisses.” The crowd sings every word back at full volume — a fitting finale for a performance that feels both career-defining and deeply personal. A flawless 10/10 evening all around.
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