The thrilling live act easily lived up to their formidable reputation.

As one of the many who’ve been locked into Wunderhorse’s mammoth touring schedule online, a Wunderhorse gig now comes with certain expectations: pounding eardrums, frenetic energy and the high chance that things might get a bit weird (if you know, you know).

Luckily for Glasgow, the endlessly exciting four-piece were on top form when they took to the city’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom for yet another sold-out show. With the house lights dimming to a classic rendition of Over The Rainbow, it quickly became clear we weren’t in Kansas anymore as the band strolled out to Beck’s Loser, ready to whip the room into a storm.

Sunglasses on, frontman Jacob Slater said no more than Midas before diving straight into their latest album’s monumental title track. As loose and powerfully raw as on the record, the fiery song set the tone for the night. No frills. No filters. No perfection. And the Glaswegian audience were totally on board with it all.

Less than five minutes into the mega set and drinks were flying, people were on shoulders and arms were thrown in the air for carefree singalongs to Butterflies and Emily. But it was for the anthemic Cathedrals that Wunderhorse really proved their colossal live capabilities. With heavy red and blue strobes to match the weight of the chorus, scrappy musicality and some gorgeously raw vocals, the band let it all out on stage.

Though it has to be said, no one has stage presence quite like Slater. Entirely in the music and feeling every painful word he sings, it’s impossible not to be hypnotised by his chaotically emotive performance (while at the same time being entirely unsure of what he might do next). He may be a frontman who doesn’t say much. But he doesn’t need to, the music does all the talking.

Fan favourites Leader of the Pack and Purple saw the Scottish crowd chanting the lyrics back to the band at earth-shattering volumes while the catchy lyrics and dark, gritty melodies of Arizona and Rain led the brave to throw their bodies into the crush of the nearest mosh pit.

It was clear Wunderhorse had found their match: a crowd as nuts as them. Screaming the lyrics to Teal before Slater had even breathed into the mic, the crazed fans were more than ready to match the band’s erratic energy. Someone’s feet were in the air, Slater was strumming his guitar with his mic stand. Heads were banging hard, and the band were totally in it. 

As the gig came to a delirious end with the intensely sharp July, sweat was dripping from band and fan alike. And as the clouds of havoc dispersed, the truth became unmistakable: we’re well and truly witnessing the return of great guitar music.

All photos by Isla Kerr.

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