Wunderhorse

Having followed Wunderhorse since 2022, just before the release of their debut album Cub, I was eager to see how their live performance had evolved. Touring with the likes of Fontaines DC, Sam Fender, and Declan McKenna and releasing their new album Midas, I anticipated a more refined and dynamic stage presence that would showcase their growth.

Seeing Wunderhorse perform at the LCR was particularly meaningful, especially as Fontaines DC had graced the same stage in 2020 during their Dogrel era, just before their meteoric rise. The atmosphere that night felt equally electric, and I was thrilled that Norwich remained a vital stop on Wunderhorse's tour too.

The support act, HighSchool, were touted as an up-and-coming band by journalists in 2021 with the release of their EP Forever at Last. Yet, they have only released one more EP and a few singles since. Their sound featured low-slung bass, woozy guitars, and heavy synthesisers, creating a foggy atmosphere that felt disorienting—like being submerged in a murky indigo lake. The lead singer, Rory Trobbiani, exuded a swagger and an electrifying rock-star image, reminiscent of Julian Casablancas with his cropped top and unkempt locks.

Although intriguing, the Aussie-born band often blurred into a homogenous mix that failed to ignite the crowd's energy fully, leaving only subtle head-bops in its wake. They ended their set with a cover of an old Australian heavy-rock band God, which finally lifted the energy in the room.

As Wunderhorse prepared to take the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Their walk-on tracks began with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” quickly interrupted by Beck’s “Loser.” Heavy fog and red lighting enveloped the venue before the band emerged. Jacob Slater, the lead singer, donned dark shades and baggy clothes, diving straight into “Midas.” While this track serves as an excellent opener for the album, it was too high-energy for the first track of their set, and resulted in a subdued initial reaction from the crowd.

The band soon shifted gears with “Butterflies,” one of their older tracks, establishing a more relaxed yet emotionally charged vibe. This showcased their ability to pull on the audience's desires, creating a captivating blend of anguish and excitement. It might have set a more fitting tone as the show’s opener.

It was “Cathedrals,” perhaps my personal standout on the new album, that truly blew me away live. The transition from a gentle, organ-like guitar sound to an explosive noise-rock anthem was even more palpable and exhilarating to watch. Slater’s delivery was fierce and unfiltered, embodying a raw energy that resonated throughout the venue.

The gig reached a new level of intensity with “Leader of the Pack,” the track that really kicked off their career and ignited a mosh pit in the crowd. I found myself caught up in the energy, appreciating the chaotic atmosphere. Slater's cool demeanour, sitting cross-legged on stage at times, added to the night’s charm. The mellower interludes and drawn-out guitar riffs blurred the lines between songs, creating a sense of space where the low-fi fuzz felt like stardust crackling in the dark.

“Silver” showcased the bitterness and rawness in Slater’s voice, evoking feelings of regret, anger and longing. When they performed “Girl Behind the Glass,” the energy surged once more, followed closely by “Superman,” a seductive track that transformed into a headbanger and fistpumper.

As Slater acknowledged his vocal fatigue, he prompted us to help him out during “Purple,” another highlight of the night. Harry Tristan Fowlers’ atmospheric guitar layers created a dreamlike quality doubled with the fuschia lighting, while the song’s themes of hope amidst chaos resonated deeply. The audience joined in, singing louder with each verse.

They closed their set with “Teal,” leaving the crowd with a gunfire outro that echoed in the silence that followed. It was a night to remember, filled with the zeal that comes from witnessing a band at a pivotal point in their career. Each of the eleven songs performed felt like a gem, each with a hook that lingered long after the final note.

Experiencing their newer, energetic, guitar-driven sound live was an exhilarating experience. Wunderhorse is not just on the cusp of greatness; they are about to set the indie music scene on fire, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed their rise as they blaze a trail toward stardom.