Returning to Newcastle eighteen months after their last performance at The Cluny, it’s amazing to see just how far they’ve come from playing to 300 people in 2023, to 2,000 this month. NX was the perfect venue for the band; the unreserved balcony area was perfect for when you need a break from the moshing, and the slanted floor ensures you always get a great view. The atmosphere was nothing but electric. The demographic was diverse, from university students to Radio 6 Music dads, all who wanted nothing more than to sing (shout) along with frontman Jacob Slater.
Slater, former frontman of indie band Dead Pretties, has a such a unique stage presence I can’t quite put it into words. While his crowd interaction is minimal, everyone in attendance was entirely enthralled by his performance. His lack of reliance on anecdotes, jokes or speeches, and the dependence on the raw nature of the music and the intensity in how he performs it is something truly special to watch.
Opening with the album’s titular song ‘Midas’ set the night off immaculately as mosh pits gathered and we all screamed with Slater as he sang “straightened his tie-ie-ie-ie!” ‘Leader of The Pack’ was another standout, and the extended intro only added to the palpability of the performance. The encore of fan favourite ‘Teal’ into slower ‘July’ ended the night perfectly.
This was unfortunately the closing night of Wunderhorse’s ‘Midas’ UK tour, and the band gave us their all. It was so special to be part of such a historic moment in the band's story; they are currently one of the fastest growing bands on the British music scene, and Newcastle is lucky to be host to such an exciting band. If you ever get the chance to watch Wunderhorse, I guarantee it will be a lifechanging gig. I can’t wait to witness their inevitable growth over the next few years.
Wunderhorse's sophomore album, 'Midas', is out now.
