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Tag: Smells Like Teen Spirit

  • Wolf Alice live in London: Britain’s finest come home in style

    Some concerts transcend mere music; they become touchstones of memory, charged with history and personal meaning. That is precisely what Wolf Alice delivered to Finsbury Park on July 5th. This wasn’t just their biggest headline gig yet, following years of relentless touring, but it was a deeply significant moment that felt woven into the very fabric of the community.

    The connection between the band and the location added an extra layer of magic. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell and bassist Theo Ellis grew up not far from North London, and the space where Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie first formed the group was just a stone’s throw away. This intimate geography infused the performance with a palpable sense of shared history.

    As Wolf Alice stepped onto the stage, the connection to their roots wasn’t hidden; it radiated outward. During a vibrant display that included bursts of white confetti, Rowsell looked out at the audience with genuine joy, wishing them the best day imaginable—a perfect reflection of the positive energy filling the air.

    The setlist tonight was a masterclass in balancing the new and the familiar. It moved effortlessly between the recent sounds of their album ‘The Clearing’ and beloved tracks from their extensive back catalogue. The performance offered delightful surprises, starting with the sweet, springy sound of ‘Lisbon’ from ‘My Love Is Cool’, before diving into the stripped-back 2013 B-side ‘White Leather’. The evening culminated in a riotous tribute to punk rock with a cover of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ in the encore.

    Beyond the musical choices, the live experience was electric. Tracks like ‘White Horses’, driven by drummer Joel Amey, transformed the park into a sea of bouncing energy. The anthem ‘Bros’ provided an emotional tribute to the band’s own bond and early days, juxtaposed beautifully by old tour diary videos displayed on giant screens. This gave the audience a front-row seat to their journey.

    Wolf Alice explored the full spectrum of their evolving sound, moving from reflective tracks like ‘Visions Of A Life’ to more energetic pieces such as ‘Yuk Foo’ and ‘Smile’. The performance demonstrated that while they respected their history, they were fully engaged in the continuous evolution of their artistic vision.

    The climax was pure celebration. Before the final push with ‘Giant Peach’, a giant disco ball descended from the rafters, signaling a moment of shared optimism. As the band finished with blistering energy, Rowsell delivered a message that resonated deeply: “If you’ve got a crush, you should probably tell them. If you want to start a band, you should probably start one.”

    The final moments felt like a testament to years of hard work. As the lights framed the stage, spelling out Wolf Alice’s name in glowing bulbs against the silver fringe, it was clear that this performance wasn’t just about music—it was an acknowledgment of their journey. It felt like a powerful nod to the fact that they have grown into one of the very best in the world.

    Credit: NME

  • Watch Wolf Alice cover Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ at massive London homecoming Finsbury Park show

    The stage lights were blinding, the energy electric, and an unexpected anthem filled the air: Wolf Alice took the stage at Finsbury Park to deliver a powerful performance of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” It was more than just a cover; it was a seismic moment that captured the raw, evolving spirit of the band.

    The massive gig on July 5th was a stellar assembly of talent, featuring support from The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, Rachel Chinouriri, Keo, and Florence Road. The atmosphere was charged as Wolf Alice delivered a set that showcased their rich catalog, blending beloved tracks like “Bloom Baby Bloom,” “Just Two Girls,” and “Leaning Against the Wall” with the raw power of rock history.

    The performance offered a deep dive into the band’s sound, playing powerful songs from their acclaimed album ‘The Clearing’, including “Bread Butter Tea Sugar” and “The Sofa.” This set, which included their debut of “White Leather,” demonstrated not only their mastery of songwriting but also their ability to connect with an audience on an intensely emotional level.

    As the evening reached its crescendo, Wolf Alice delivered a series of tracks that reflected the journey of their music, culminating in the iconic Nirvana cover. The performance wasn’t just a nostalgic nod; it felt like a declaration of artistic freedom and continuous evolution.

    The success of this moment mirrors the ongoing trajectory of the band. Wolf Alice has been recognized for their impactful work, with ‘The Clearing’ becoming a UK Number One album and earning five-star reviews. They were shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and made history by being nominated for all four of their albums. This recognition highlights how they have managed to settle into new levels of self-acceptance and assurance within their creative process.

    Beyond the music, the band has continued to make a significant impact in the broader cultural landscape. They recently graced the airwaves on SNL UK performing tracks like “White Horses” and “Leaning Against The Wall,” and they also contributed to the closing of the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust series at the Royal Albert Hall.

    Their influence extends into future collaborations. Wolf Alice is gearing up for a major tour supporting Olivia Rodrigo’s massive ‘Unraveled Tour’ in North America, alongside other celebrated artists including The Last Dinner Party, Devon Again, Die Spitz, and Grace Ives. This global ambition shows the band’s dedication to reaching wider audiences.

    The artistic momentum is clearly building. Wolf Alice is currently marking the first anniversary of ‘The Clearing’ in August, standing on a foundation of critically acclaimed music and a palpable sense of forward movement. The legacy established by their work continues to inspire, promising even more exciting developments for the band ahead.

    Credit: NME