Wunderhorse Lights Up Liverpool: A Night of Passion, Power, and Surprises at the O2 Academy

Wunderhorse delivered an electrifying performance at the O2 Academy in Liverpool last night (14/10/24), leaving the audience buzzing long after the final notes rang out. From start to finish, the night was packed with emotion, energy, and powerful musicianship. 

The band showcased their ability to captivate an audience with a mix of raw intensity and melodic craftsmanship, cementing themselves as one of the UK’s rising stars.

The night opened with Melbourne-born band HighSchool, whose 80's new wave and post-punk influences mixed with early 2000s indie for a stylish, moody set. With dreamy beats and a cool stage presence, HighSchool set the perfect tone before Wunderhorse took the stage.

As Wunderhorse finally appeared, the crowd's anticipation peaked, and from the opening notes of "Midas," it was clear that we were in for something special. 

The band tore through a setlist that balanced both crowd favourites and deeper cuts, with each song delivered with passion and precision. 

Jacob Slater's vocals were a standout, particularly during the hauntingly beautiful "Girl Behind the Glass," where his voice soared and filled the room with emotion.

A special moment came when Wunderhorse hinted at playing "Aeroplane" but instead launched into "Arizona," which then seamlessly transitioned into the long-awaited full rendition of "Aeroplane," sending the audience into a frenzy. The flow between these two songs showed their masterful command of dynamics, building tension before releasing it in waves of sound.

The lighting for the show was also a standout, with a particularly striking moment during "Purple." As purple lights bathed the stage, the song took on a whole new life, enveloping the audience in its ethereal atmosphere. 

As the set drew to a close with "Silver" and "Purple," the energy in the room was palpable. But the night wasn't over. After a long wait, the band returned for an encore, kicking things off with "Teal." 

The real surprise came when they launched into "July," a fan favourite. This song held a special significance for the crowd, as they had last performed it at The Jacaranda Baltic purely due to fans chanting for it. The encore was an emotional climax to an already unforgettable night, with "July" sparking singalongs, people on shoulders, and a sense of connection between the band and their fans.

One amusing aspect of the night was the pre-show playlist. It felt as if someone had put every song ever made on shuffle. But somehow, it worked, getting the audience ready for the high-energy performance that Wunderhorse is known for.

Overall, Wunderhorse’s show at the O2 Academy was nothing short of spectacular. The band's ability to blend passionate, powerful performances with intimate, emotionally charged moments makes them a must-see act. 

Liverpool clearly holds a special place for the band, and the feeling is mutual, as they continue to reward their fans with unforgettable live shows.

Written by Louise Andrews

Photos by LuellaPix