Live Review: HighSchool + Wunderhorse - Cardiff University Great Hall, 8th October 2024

Photo: Phoebe Barton 📷

It's hard to believe "Teal" was released over 3 years ago. In what feels like a recent resurgence thanks to a new fanbase on TikTok and a younger generation now discovering it for the first time, it's catapulted Wunderhorse in to being at the forefront of the scene as they see a rapid ascent as one of the UK's most compelling live acts. 

Following the release of their second album 'Midas' earlier this year to much acclaim, the band were back in the Welsh capital in support with a headline show at Cardiff's Student Union. Having only played the venue 7 months prior supporting Declan McKenna, their sold out date goes to show just what's been achieved in such a short space of time. And as fans packed in to the venue, decked out in merch, it was clear to see the admiration they've attracted.

With a short wait until 9, it was first back to class with Melbourne's HighSchool who fitted perfectly alongside the Wunderhorse fanbase. Now based in London, their songs that tell tales of longing, nostalgia and unrequited love were brought to life in full spectral colour. With a handful of single and EP's released so far, the band wasted no time in charging through their catalogue that saw their jangly guitar riffs and infectious melodic soundscapes envelope the crowd. Bending genres from punk, lo-fi and sun-soaked surf rock, the band's unique take on songwriting created a familiarity that resonated with the excited audience who were only keen to show appreciation. With the hazy guitar notes and fuzzy vocals on "August 19", to the angular melodies and high octane pace of "New York, Paris and London", the band brought their warming sound to UK shores just in time for the winter chill. 

Blending their dark, brooding melodies with a vibrant stage presence, the trio—fronted by siblings Rory and Lilli Trobbiani, and Luke Scott (along with a full band live) created an atmosphere that perfectly captured their mix of moody introspection and sharp, rhythmic energy, which certainly earned them some new fans tonight. 

Photo: Phoebe Barton 📷

 
Following a short interval, as the crowd began to sway and Somewhere Over The Rainbow pumped out from the speakers, a sea of mullets were primed and ready for action as cheers loudly signified the band's emergence.

With the temperature and energy inside already tangible they wasted no time and launched into "Midas," their signature opener, immediately setting a raw, powerful tone for the night. Jacob Slater, with his intense yet reserved stage presence led the band through a broad cross-section of their debut album Cub and newer material, including fan-favourite “Emily,” where the audience passionately sang along before the lyrics even kicked in​.

Through an onslaught of guitars and thundering percussion, Slater's vocals remained a true front runner. Cutting through the mix, there's few band's that could replicate their songs live with his intense and passionable delivery, yet it flows effortlessly in nature. Despite being a man of few words, with a reserved stage presence the crowd were treated to display of some of the rawest and emotionally charged renditions of their work to date.

Other highlights of the night included "Leader of the Pack," which ignited the mosh pit as its extended intro driven by Jamie Staples's pummelled percussive hits and their scuzzy guitar layers sent ripples through the crowd. All before "Silver" and "Purple" back-to-back drove emotional moments that kept the energy surging with its waves of anticipation and release.

The encore was a dramatic finish, with the Lead Belly-inspired "Irene, Goodnight" transitioning into "Teal" a barrage of phones reached for the sky eager to catch a glimpse of the band on stage before Slater thanked the crowd and departed. Sadly there was no play of "July" but that doesn't take away from Wunderhorse’s performance which was tight, intense, and left the Cardiff audience buzzing for more. It's no mean feat to say they've quickly become one of 2024’s must-see live acts.

*****