Nottingham’s Rock City played host to a night of raw energy and exceptional musicianship, headlined by Wunderhorse with support from London-based HighSchool. It’s soon to say, but it might just be a contender for gig of the year…
Opening the night, HighSchool quickly transported the crowd to a space that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Frontman Rory Trobbiani’s vocal stylings immediately drew comparisons to Julian Casablancas, with a delivery reminiscent of The Strokes at their finest.
Despite their slightly American aesthetic, the trio hail from Melbourne but have settled in London, bringing with them a mix of influences that echo early The Killers, while sounding like a modern amalgamation of classic indie rock acts.
Their set exuded energy and promise, but it was unfortunately cut short by a venue curfew, forcing them to end a song early. Given that this was the first night of the tour, it felt harsh, especially when the audience was clearly ready for more.
When Wunderhorse took the stage, the atmosphere shifted. As Somewhere Over the Rainbow played over the speakers, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the room. The band launched into Midas, the title track of their latest album, setting the tone for the night. The crowd responded instantly, with huge cheers greeting the intro of every song of the set.
They wasted no time, flowing effortlessly into Butterflies and Emily, keeping the energy tight as the stage plunged into darkness momentarily between tracks, adding to the drama and anticipation that the music was creating.
While lead singer Jacob Slater kept crowd interaction minimal, the music and his stage presence spoke loudly enough. During Cathedrals, he stood on the drum riser, in a moment which amplified the song’s intensity. Shortly after, the first mosh pit of the night was triggered by Leader of the Pack, and when they played the ballad Aeroplane, the crowd’s passion was undeniable - fans sang along even before the lyrics kicked in, showing their deep connection to the track.
Later in the set, two of Wunderhorse’s best songs, Silver and Purple, came back to back, providing some of the evening’s most powerful moments. During the instrumental section of the latter of those tracks, Slater beckoned the crowd to increase their energy, causing the mosh pit to become even more intense. The anthemic Rain followed shortly after, with repeated chants of “Do you feel the rain?” sweeping through Rock City and ensuring that the mosh pit continued.
The encore was a perfect closer, starting with a nod to Lead Belly’s Irene, Goodnight before transitioning into Teal. But it was the final track, July, that sealed the night as something special. Slater ventured into the front section of the crowd, closing the distance between band and fans, before dramatically throwing his guitar on the floor as they left the stage.
From start to finish, Wunderhorse kept the crowd rapt. Their set was meticulously crafted, without a single lull moment, proving that they’ve truly come into their own as a band. Songs from both their debut and sophomore albums already feel like classics, despite their recent release dates, and with a performance like this, it’s clear they know how to keep fans coming back for more.
As far as contenders for gig of the year go, this one is certainly up there. With one of the most attentive crowds Rock City has seen in 2024, Wunderhorse demonstrated that they’re a band on a rapid ascent, and this tour is likely to cement their place as one of the best live acts around.
Wunderhorse performed at Rock City on 3rd October 2024. Read our interview with the band here.
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