Wolf Alice brought their most complete reinvention yet to Manchester Arena, embracing 70s glam-rock references and cabaret-theatre vibes. Ellie Rowsell, sporting a tight black leotard with red hearts, strutted through tracks like The Sofa, a slow-burner about guilt-free decisions. The band, who began as a north London folk duo, have evolved through grunge and alt-fuzz into this sparkling incarnation.
The set opened with a crooning ballad, Thorns, tinsel tassels draped between members, before bursting into the bouncy Bloom Baby Bloom. Drummer Joel Amey shone on White Horses, while Rowsell’s harmonies remained tight. References to Hawkwind and Sabbath chugs on her Gibson SG were plentiful, alongside piano-driven moments.
Rowsell’s vocal performance was consistently impressive, never faltering across genre jumps. Fans lit the space with iPhone torches as she quipped, “This phone thing makes me cry.” Despite a packed arena, wider fame has not yet followed, but with a new major label, that could change.
