AN UNDISPUTED RENAISSANCE OF GUITAR MUSIC. WUNDERHORSE LIVE AT MANCHESTER ACADEMY.

Being undoubtedly the most exciting live band on the circuit at the moment, Wunderhorse are single-handedly providing the epic renaissance of guitar music fans have been awaiting for years. Taking to the stage at the penultimate night of their sold-out UK and Ireland tour of 2024, Slater, Fowler, Staples and Woodin walked out to a crowd unable to contain their excitement – with roars of passion and eagerness bouncing from every wall of Manchester’s Academy 1.

Previously taking to the stage at the O2 Ritz in 2023, and the Deaf Institute prior to this on preceding UK/ Ireland tours – Manchester has constantly opened their arms to Wunderhorse, inviting the 4 lads back to the city with sold-out shows on every visit. Rising to fame after inevitably successful support slots with the likes of Fontaines D.C. and Sam Fender, it seemed fans discovered a longing for a resurgence in classic, dirty, timeless guitar music – and Wunderhorse were the ones to revive that for them.

With a widely applauded reception to their sophomore album ‘Midas’ (August 2023), the band have created a whirlwind of frenzy surrounding them, an almost Wunderhorse-mania if you will – with fans closely watching their every move and eager to see them live and in the flesh.

Walking onto a stage lit up only by the band’s menacing devil logo – the crowd burst into a roar of excitement. Screams for the attention of front man Jacob Slater could be heard alongside cries for the sound of Fowler’s guitar feedback. As soon as the word ‘Midas’ was uttered down the microphone, Wunderhorse would embark on their biggest Manchester headline to date. For me, Midas is the perfect opening track – it’s mantra-like choruses and intimidating verses immediately rile the crowd and set the perfect tone for the gig to come. Partnered with a perfect mix of tracks off of their debut album Cub (2022) and sophomore album Midas (2024) – the atmosphere of the night did not drop once. The crowd were completely at the command of Slater and his guitar, almost hypnotised – a sight I have not seen within live music for a long time.

Highlights of the set included the gut-wrenchingly beautiful Arizona – shining a light on the depths of Slater’s lyricism and musical talent of the band as a whole, the crowd didn’t just sing with Jacob, they accompanied him throughout. Furthermore, Superman left the 2,600 in attendance silenced with awe – each audience member intoxicated by the beauty of the track, played perfectly live. Not to mention, both hit singles from the debut album ‘Cub’, ‘Teal’ and ‘Leader Of The Pack’ sent the crowd into a frenzy, alongside an extended version of ‘Rain’. Potentially taking the crown as one of the best moments during the set, ‘July’ acted as the perfect closing number of the night, with Slater erupting into a passionate frenzy of guitar-throwing and screams. Inspired by their set at the Isle Of Wight Festival earlier this year, during each aggressive strum in the opening bars of ‘July’ the audience could be hear imitating Slater’s barking noises and screams – a true sight to behold.

Whilst their UK and Ireland tour has come to a close, Wunderhorse will only be taking a few weeks off before embarking on Sam Fender’s UK and Ireland tour as his main support act – previously seen together on lineups such as St. James’ Park and Castlefield Bowl.

‘Midas’, the sophomore album from Wunderhorse is out now and available to stream on all major platforms.