With a talent for being the opposite of perfectionists, Wunderhorse are one of this years most talked about bands and there’s no questioning why after hearing their new album Midas. Allowing their songs to be raw and earnest creates a record that’s even more emotional and intense than their debut album Cub.
Photo credit: Izzy Hayden
Wunderhorse are a no introduction needed band, walking on stage and grabbing their instruments is enough to send the audience into an excited frenzy. Title track ‘Midas’ kicks off the gig, detailing a feeling we all know to well, being belittled by someone else and made to feel like the road they stomp over daily. The track is guitar heavy but still showcases Slater’s powerful vocals that race across the venue.
The passion is immense as ‘Rain’ (one of my favourites live) follows. Beginning gruff as Slater sings “do you feel the rain?” over and over, the intensity quickly builds to him angrily bellowing down the mic “do you feel the fucking rain?” before a hit of Harry Fowler’s ruthless guitar.
After beginning on a light, slow riff Slater leaps in the air and falls to the floor strumming a wave of unsympathetic guitar. Another new track ‘Cathedrals’ is impressive with Jamie Staple’s heavy drumming and Peter Woodin’s bold bass becoming wild at the same moment the guitar does. The fierce and strident atmosphere continues as Jacob belts “the cathedrals are on fire.” His vocals are so extreme and powerful it leaves the audience jaw dropped, listening in awe.
It’s obvious fans have been patiently waiting for the unmistakable guitar that opens ‘Teal,’ a harrowing song from their first album. The crowd screech back every lyric especially “what if it did Katie, what If it killed her?,” where audience engagement is at an all time high. First gloomy before becoming violent and extraordinary, every instrument ,including the vocals, make this song a fan favourite. As Jacob screams “AHHHH” you feel the emotion in the air from the fans who connect so deeply with the lyrics. It’s strange how a song can be so sorrowful yet so comforting at once. Soon enough ‘Teal’ is destined to be the song where fans are on each others shoulders, streaming tears and screaming their hearts out, letting go of everything and simply taking a moment to appreciate its magnificence.
The gigs 10 song setlist consists of a few more Midas tracks such as ‘Emily’ and ‘Superman’, two more spine chilling guitar songs which again flaunt Slater’s agonising vocals. ‘Silver’ feels like a ceasefire. Although during the outro of the track we hear the same ardent vocals, compared to most of Wunderhorse’s songs, the music feels slightly less heavy.
“JULY!” the crowd chant throughout the whole gig. Every moment of silence. In between every song. “JULY!”
It’s abundant the second release from Midas is loved by the Liverpool crowd and although not originally on the setlist Jacob walks over to Harry and whispers something in his ear. “Should we do July?” You can just about hear him ask and In unison the room screams with joy. “If I blow my voice out for London tomorrow you guys are gonna be the blame” Jacob says smiling, knowing how straining the track is on his vocals but still wanting to please the room. Despite ‘July’ being a haunting song with lyrics like “I’m ready to die” it feels so fun as the audience sings the words with joy, so loud that at times it becomes hard to hear the band. Unrefined guitar thunders while relentless drumming races into your eardrums. The band keep smiling looking out at the audience who are giving back as much energy and love as the band spent the evening showing.
After the gig, the band were stood outside greeting fans, sharing cigs and discussing their songs. Wunderhorse are already on top of the world and won’t be returning anytime soon. With their upcoming UK and Ireland tour plus Europe tour supporting Fontaines D.C, they are only going to keep getting better (if that’s even possible).
More on Wunderhorse: Official Store | Wunderhorse | Official Website (wunderhorseband.com)
