Wolf Alice at Paradise Rock Club 11/11

By: Kayla Avitabile

Wolf Alice graced a sold out crowd at the Paradise Rock Club on November 11th. The U.K. Indie rock band began their performance of the leading single “Smile” from their latest record from Blue Weekend. A dance tune that combines discotheque and grunge, “Smile” oozes with urban cool (in a good way). It stands up to the standards of any party playlist and set off the concert on an energetic note. 

The rest of the show ensued with the band playing songs primarily from Blue Weekend. They performed one of my personal favorites, “Lipstick on the Glass” as well as “Delicious Things,” “Play the Greatest Hits,” “Last Man on Earth,” and a few others. Of course, they threw in some songs from their beloved 2015 record My Love is Cool, including “You’re a Germ,” “Bros” and their Grammy nominated hit “Moaning Lisa Smile.” The band also took the stage for a one-song encore with “Don’t Delete the Kisses,” a 2018 track in collaboration with Charli XCX and Post Precious.

The crowd was fiercely engaged throughout the show, as the audience’s singing/screaming almost drowned out the music on the stage. Front-woman Ellie Rowsell probably didn’t even need to sing “Mona Lisa Smile” because the crowd knew every word. Folks at the barricade were intent on keeping their coveted spots, and guitarist Joff Oddie pointed out a few audience members that he recognized from a previous Boston show (a nod showing the band’s dedication and connection to their fans). With a dynamic set filled with great songs and an energetic performance that was enhanced by Rowsell’s effortless vocals, there wasn’t much one could dislike about the show. 

Wolf Alice is now nominated for Best Group and Best Rock/Alternative Group at the Brit Awards with their tour of the U.K. beginning early next year. Their June 2021 release, Blue Weekend, is an easylisten with dreamy stacked vocals, reverberated nostalgia, and waves of emotion laden throughout its track line-up. A pleasant retreat from a version of alt rock that refuses to slow itself down, the record is worth a listen for its ability to breathe in a time when we need to most. Blue Weekend and Blue Weekend (Tour Deluxe) are streaming everywhere now.