When I tried to describe Wolf Alice to someone who hadn’t heard of them, I struggled. So that doesn’t bode well for this review.
By Graeme Smith
Photos by Stuart Duthie
They’re a rock band. They did a song called Don’t Delete The Kisses. After that, blanked.
One thing they certainly are is successful. They’re on a string of arena dates and a destiny of festival headlining awaits. They’re popular and critically acclaimed, shortlisted for this year’s Mercury prize with their album The Clearing.
They’re savvy too. I really enjoyed the pathos of their Spotify Wrapped message. At the show in the interludes between acts they modelled their merch, reminding us to buy it before we go.
At the First Direct Arena, Leeds they were supported by two acts. A train delay left me scrambling to catch the end of Bria Salmena. The huge stage threatened to swallow her, but her presence won in the end. She had a strong rock ethos that I wish I’d seen more of.
I’d heard good things about Sunflower Bean. The name alone draws the attention. A bright, breezy, fuzzy, and feedback-filled set didn’t disappoint. At times it verged on the pageantry of hair metal, but they kept it classy as they shredded through tracks from their new album Mortal Primetime. If you’re new to them listen to No Bills In Heaven and thank me later.
So, to the main event. Wolf Alice’s set was announced by a stage bedecked with sparkly silver tinsel and a mirror ball, a real feast for the eyes but how about the ears?
I’d seen them once before at Leeds Fest, but festival appearances rarely compare to dedicated shows. There’s something special about a (massive) room full of people all there for the same reason. You see it in the performance. The band know what their audience is craving.
The atmosphere at the band’s entrance was electric. I had goosebumps. There was a lot of showmanship across the twenty-two song strong set, and the songs had substance too. They were defiant, emotional, and performed with practised heart. The band’s appeal is obvious.
Predictably The Clearing loomed large but there were deep cuts from their first three albums too, including the still fresh sounding Smile from previous album Blue Weekend, and some heavy rock moments that might have surprised recent fans. Of course, they saved Don’t Delete the Kisses for the triumphant encore.
Bria Salmena, Sunflower Bean and Wolf Alice played at the First Direct Arena, Leeds on Friday 5 December 2025.