Wolf Alice have grown into one of Britain’s premier rock bands—and this show proved they now belong firmly in the highest tier of modern live music.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

**WOLF ALICE PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO**
**PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN**

Over the past decade, Wolf Alice have undergone one of the most compelling ascents in modern British rock. Emerging from London’s indie circuit in the early 2010s, the quartet—Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis, and Joel Amey—first gained attention for their ability to swing effortlessly between folk-tinged fragility and explosive grunge. Three critically acclaimed albums, a Mercury Prize win, and a devoted global fanbase later, the band now commands arenas with a confidence that feels both hard-earned and entirely natural. Their sold-out performance at the Hydro stood as further proof that Wolf Alice are no longer the scrappy newcomers—they are one of the UK’s most vital contemporary rock bands.

Opening with “Thorns,” the band set a moody, atmospheric tone, its brooding tension announcing a new era for Wolf Alice. The song—one of several from their forthcoming album The Clearing—showed a band stretching into even richer emotional and sonic territory. “Bloom Baby Bloom,” another new standout, unfolded with lush, dreamlike radiance, its melodies carried by Ellie Rowsell’s increasingly commanding presence. “White Horses” followed with shimmering grandeur, filling the arena with widescreen propulsion.

Tracks such as “Formidable Cool” and “Just Two Girls” showcased the razor-sharp precision the band has honed through years of relentless touring. Rowsell’s voice—cool, enigmatic, expressive—anchored the performance with quiet authority. “How Can I Make It OK?” provided one of the night’s early emotional peaks, swelling into a unified chorus that demonstrated just how deeply Wolf Alice’s catalogue now resonates in rooms this size.

Midway through the show, the band leaned into nuance with “Safe From Heartbreak (If You Never Fall in Love)”, a crystalline performance that held the Hydro in complete silence. Their ability to pivot so effortlessly from delicacy to fury remains one of their defining strengths, and this was thrown into sharp relief when “Yuk Foo” was halted and restarted due to a crowd issue. The band handled the interruption with composure and care—an important display of their maturity. When the track restarted, its catharsis hit even harder.

The final run of songs—“Play the Greatest Hits,” “Silk,” “Play It Out,” “Giant Peach,” and “Smile”—solidified the performance as one of the most commanding of their career. Once the textures of small venues, these tracks now roared with arena-sized force. The band’s musicianship, energy, and control of pacing illustrated just how comfortably they now inhabit these larger stages.

The encore opened with “The Last Man on Earth,” delivered with near-reverent intensity. Rowsell’s voice soared across the arena, as precise as it was emotionally charged. Closing with “Don’t Delete the Kisses,” Wolf Alice invited the audience into a euphoric, collective sing-along—an affirmation of the emotional bond they’ve built with their fans over years of steady, thoughtful growth.

Wolf Alice’s sold-out Hydro performance was not simply a tour stop—it was a declaration of what they’ve become. From underground prospects to Mercury winners to arena headliners, their rise has been marked by ambition, versatility, and a rare artistic integrity. With new material from The Clearing hinting at yet another creative leap, the band’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing.