Wallows, Grentperez @ Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide 7/12/2024
American alt-rockers Wallows played in Adelaide for the very first time in support of new album Model for what is their biggest global headline tour playing big arenas right around the country. Personally, being a bit late to the party picking things up with their new album, it is of no surprise how their music resonates with Aussie music fans with three great albums under their belt. It is clear to see how bands such as The Strokes and to a lesser extent Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire and The Libertines have influenced the band. Their fans are staunchly parochial and screamed in excitement at every chance making it a big Saturday night out.
Australian singer Grentperez got the night off to a flyer and was really well received. Definitely one of the artists who is set for bigger and better things and probably one hit away from being propelled in to the spotlight. Grabbing the opportunity with both hands to be up there in front of bigger crowds I think you have to admire how he went about it maximising every chance to interact with the crowd. His set was a balance between old and new playing the likes of 2DK, Why I Love You before treating fans to unreleased songs Dandelion and Everest. It was the set closer Cherry Wine where most would be thinking “oh, that is that guy!” Entertaining set setting a good vibe for what was to come.
The heart and soul of Wallows are Dylan Minnette (lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass), Braeden Lemasters (lead and backing vocals, lead guitar) and Cole Preston drums, percussion, guitars, keyboards, piano, backing vocals). Taking to the stage with a hero like reception the band were projected as a silhouette on a white sheer curtain and as they opened with Don’t Wait the crowd, mostly young females, lost their collective shit! It was Your Apartment and Anytime, Always that followed with Dylan first interaction being “Hello, we are Wallows, let’s have the best night possible”.
Dylan mentioned it was their first time in Adelaide and wanted to make up for lost time wanting to try out a “super old” song Sun Tan. It was unfortunate that at different stages during their set they were plagued with technical issues which did take away from the flow of show and some awkward banter but nevertheless the music was catchy, infectious and great to listen to considering the likes of Quarterback, Bad Dream, These Days and You (Show Me Where My Days Went). The fans knew all the words singing the songs back to them with passion and much gusto. Cole spoke about checking the “bugs” at the Botanical Gardens earlier in the day. Just Like A Movie was gold as was A Warning. Dylan acknowledged the technical issues with crew literally working it out in each song.
After Uncomfortable, the band made their way during She’s An Actress to the back of theatre with a smaller “B” stage set up recreating the feel of a lounge room for a more laid back up close and personal experience for the fans playing acoustic numbers Pictures Of Girls and 1980s Horror Films II. Whilst the crackling microphones weren’t part of the aesthetic Dylan asked the crowd to think of it as a camp fire. Given the technical issues they led the acapella version of The Killers Mr Brightside as they returned to the main stage to “fill the space”.
Despite the frustration of the technical issues the band were insistent on everyone having a good time finishing the last part of the main set with all the “bangers” knocking over Pleaser, Calling After Me, Remember When and I Don’t Want to Talk. Returning for an encore the Wallows experience was complete with big single Are You Bored Yet? No doubt there is more to come from this band on the rise.
Live Review By Rob Lyon