Storm Bram nearly stole the show in Dublin, but Wolf Alice, despite a less-than-packed 3Arena, managed to turn potential disaster into a “scintillating gig.” More interesting than the weather, however, is the band’s evident attempt to scale up – a move that highlights the pressures on indie darlings to chase arena status, and the often-awkward results when they do.
- Wolf Alice’s Dublin show was impacted by Storm Bram, causing travel disruptions for support acts and the crew.
- The band’s latest album, The Clearing, is described as a self-conscious attempt to broaden their appeal, hampered by producer Greg Kurstin’s signature sound.
- The 3Arena’s attendance was noticeably lower than their recent London shows, raising questions about venue suitability in Dublin.
The band’s struggle to fill the 3Arena, following a similar issue with The Last Dinner Party, underscores a growing problem: Dublin lacks a mid-sized venue. The demand clearly isn’t there to consistently fill the cavernous 3Arena, but bands are routinely forced to play spaces that diminish the intimacy their music deserves. Someone needs to address this infrastructural gap.
But the real story here isn’t the venue; it’s the album. Wolf Alice’s The Clearing, and the production choices of Greg Kurstin, are a fascinating case study in mainstream aspiration. Kurstin, known for his work with pop behemoths like Adele and Harry Styles, seems to apply a uniform “schmaltzy” signature to everything he touches. It’s a calculated risk – aiming for wider radio play – but one that clearly hasn’t resonated with their fanbase as strongly as hoped. The staging, described as a blend of Abba and Olivia Rodrigo, feels similarly calculated, a visual representation of the band attempting to inhabit a larger pop space.
The performance itself, however, salvaged the situation. The return to older material – “Formidable Cool” and “How Can I Make It OK?” – proved that Wolf Alice still thrives when leaning into their established strengths. Ellie Rowsell’s charisma, even while battling logistical nightmares and a half-empty arena, shone through. The band’s ability to deliver “a few thunderbolts of their own” despite the odds is a testament to their talent, but it also begs the question: at what cost?
Wolf Alice’s next move will be crucial. Will they double down on the pop sheen, hoping to eventually crack the mainstream? Or will they recalibrate, acknowledging that their power lies in the raw energy and emotional depth that defined their earlier work? The industry will be watching closely, as their trajectory could set a precedent for other indie acts navigating the treacherous waters of commercial success.
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