Unconventionally indie and unapologetically raw - Wunderhorse prove yet again they’re a band inevitably heading for the very top
By Tom Adams 4th November 2023
"I've got something to live for, and so much to give..."
...is just one of the more deeply vulnerable lyrics from fan favourite ballad ‘Teal’ screamed by frontman Jacob Slater and those entranced by his captivatingly empathetic performance to a sold out O2 Ritz in Manchester last weekend. With every song lyrically growing more intimate than the last, and only further energised by the band’s grungy guitars and robust drums, Wunderhorse’s presence is one packed with all the ingredients of one of the very greats, and it’s undeniable they’re a band with all the characteristics to one day become one themselves.
If you’re not yet familiar with Wunderhorse *what have you been doing* they’re an example of a band that have deservedly experienced a rapid rise in the indie-rock scene since their formation back in 2020. Originally beginning as a solo project by lead singer Jacob Slater during the omnipresent COVID-19 pandemic, he was shortly joined by drummer Jamie Staples, bassist Pete Woodin and guitarists Harry Fowler and Oscar Browne - before the latter member went on to leave the band following the band’s debut album Cub, released last year via Communion Music. For both Slater and Browne, Wunderhorse is actually the second time the duo have collaborated following their work together in a previous band, Dead Pretties. But now as an assemblage of four, Wunderhorse have just finished their UK and European tour playing to thousands across the continent. With previous big crowd experiences supporting artists such as: Sam Fender, Foals, Pixies and Fontaines D.C. last year, it’s perhaps something the band should probably soon start getting used to.
But if you’re still yet to see Wunderhorse live, their captivating stage presence is one that effortlessly grips the room with ease. Even walking out as they did in Manchester to a sea of people eagerly watching on in excitement, their fanbase is already one of a cult following, passionately belting out every heartfelt lyric back at Slater and his fellow band members in unison.
Somewhat of a surprise, the four piece opened their set at the Ritz with ‘Leader of the Pack’, another huge favourite, and a song with an opening guitar riff worthy of cementing itself as an indie-rock staple for years to come. But as the band begin playing through the likes of ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Morphine’, it becomes evermore apparent how sonically reminiscent they are to iconic bands such as Nirvana and Radiohead - two big inspirations for the quartet. Meanwhile Slater’s roots with punk music adds another intriguing layer to the Wunderhorse beast with Harry Fowler’s reverberated guitar, fused with the punchy drum beats of Jamie Staples, fans are taken headfirst through an emotionally fluctuating setlist packed with songs comprised of feelings of anger and regret to fragility and honesty, leaving nothing behind to the lucky one thousand five hundred in attendance watching on in awe.
In addition to some of the many familiar tracks that feature on Cub, the setlist spotlighted many unrecognisable songs that can only be a sign of what’s soon to come for album two whenever that may come. Many of these including the classic extended intros of a typical live Wunderhorse performance that makes them all the more impressive to hear in person.
As they progress through their dynamic setlist, the stage lights are constantly being changed from a warming red for ‘Poppy’, to a cold blue for ‘Girl Behind The Glass’, for a mysterious purple for… well ‘Purple’, and the band seem to grow in confidence with each anthem they play. With stories of addiction, former drug use and nostalgic love narratives, Jacob Slater refuses to hold back and neither do the youthful crowd in attendance, jumping at the chance to get on another’s shoulders or start a mosh pit with every bit of encouragement from Slater himself. By the time the band have concluded with their final song of the night 'Poppy', the feel good buzz they radiate continues to linger in the air for some time. It feels a lot like one of those performances you won't forget for a long time.
But amid the emotion, it’s important to remember Wunderhorse have only been active for two years, with only twelve songs currently in their discography and a setlist featuring just eight released tracks. To revisit Slater’s introspective words spoken in ‘Teal’ at the start, it’s clear that regardless of their surge in popularity and achievements in the industry already, it’s truly exhilarating knowing this is a band with still “so much to give”.
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