Wolf Alice performing during the Clearing Tour at Emo's Austin in Austin, Texas on September 30, 2025, with Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Joel Amey, and Theo Ellis. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Wolf Alice exists in that rare, compelling space where indie vulnerability meets genuine rock and roll ferocity. From their earliest days as a London-based acoustic duo, the core partnership of vocalist Ellie Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie established a musical identity built on a foundational tension: the delicate, often whispery melancholy of Rowsell's lyrics against an eventual, cathartic explosion of sound.
With the solid, dynamic backing of bassist Theo Ellis and drummer Joel Amey, the band quickly evolved into one of the most vital rock acts of their generation, effortlessly traversing genres from grunge and shoegaze to polished dream-pop. Their journey, marked by critically acclaimed records and a prestigious Mercury Prize win, has consistently proven their ability to capture the complex, often contradictory emotions of modern life with both poetry and power.
Their latest body of work refined that signature chaos, exchanging some of the raw, untamed garage energy for sophisticated, cinematic precision. This shift allowed their songwriting to shine with a newfound maturity, embracing richer textures and more complex emotional narratives while retaining the sharp, observational wit that has always defined Rowsell's pen. The result is music that feels expansive and deeply personal at the same time, ready to fill arenas yet intimate enough for headphones on a late-night train.
Now, that meticulously crafted sound has been unleashed on the road, transforming venues into electrically charged pilgrimages for their devoted following. The current tour is a definitive victory lap, showcasing a band at the absolute peak of its performing prowess. What makes the show so captivating is the sheer dynamism of the setlist, which is not merely a collection of hits, but a carefully sculpted emotional arc. Wolf Alice masterfully paces the evening, navigating the audience through the spectrum of their output. They transition seamlessly from the quiet, almost unsettling vulnerability of tracks demanding complete silence to the blistering, mosh-pit inciting anthems that define their early work.
At the center of it all is Ellie Rowsell, a performer who embodies the music’s duality. One moment, she is leaning into the microphone, delivering a smoky vocal that hovers just above a whisper, creating a palpable tension with her subdued presence. The next, she is a whirlwind of motion, guitar strapped on, leading the band into a full-scale sonic assault.
This fluidity is the engine of the performance, keeping the energy unpredictable and utterly magnetic. The interplay between Oddie’s textural, often effects-laden guitar work and the rhythm section’s relentless drive is tighter than ever, ensuring that even the most massive, echoing tracks are delivered with crystal-clear force. The band not only recreates the intricate arrangements of their studio albums but infuses them with a spontaneous, hungry energy, celebrating the communal catharsis that only live rock music can provide. It's a tour that solidifies Wolf Alice’s reputation not just as great recording artists, but as one of the essential, must-see live bands operating today.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at Emo's Austin
Wolf Alice was awesome! What a great show in a great venue! The band was on point playing lots of old and new songs! My favorites were The Sofa and Yuk Foo, amazing stage presence for both songs as well as the entire band nailing it. Ellie's vocals were incredible all night, band was also amazing and honestly was just an amazing show!
Best band for your money! Wolf Alice has finally decided to be the great rock band that they are, heavier, louder, and Ellie is truly coming into her own great arrangement with a focus on their new album. You won’t believe how great this band is live, finally they pumped up the volume to 11!
Wolf Alice flies under the radar here in the United States but are superstars in Europe. Ten years of touring make them tight and overly talented. Ellie is a badass and her vocals have gotten even better with age. Their show was nonstop hits and the crowd loved it. ISo good they brought tears to my eyes and a never-ending smile to my face! Never went to our seats, enjoyed Wolf Alice as close as possible right down on the floor. Thank you so much for a fantastic evening.
Wolf Alice are simply an amazing band in concert. Many bands sound good or better on recorded tracks than in concert but Wolf Alice are the reverse. They sound great in studio but even better in concert. The show was an awesome blend of energy, passion, sound, visuals, and soulful music. One of the top 5 concerts of my life, ad I have been to many. Kudos to Wolf Alice. May you play on for years to come!
- Thorns
- How Can I Make It OK?
- Delicious Things
- Formidable Cool
- Passenger Seat
- Just Two Girls
- Leaning Against the Wall
- Your Loves Whore
- Safe From Heartbreak (If You Never Fall in Love)
- White Horses
- Bros
- The Sofa
- Bread Butter Tea Sugar
- Yuk Foo
- Play the Greatest Hits
- Silk
- Play It Out
- Smile
- Giant Peach
- Bloom Baby Bloom
- Don't Delete the Kisses
Wolf Alice was the main act at Emo's Austin with guests Willy Mason. They continue across the United States, Europe, and Australia with the last stop at the Laneway Festival in Perth, Australia on February 15, 2026.
Wolf Alice
web | facebook | x | instagram
