It’s a warm summer night in late August. You’re at The Mann, and the songs you blasted during high school are being played live. You let yourself get caught up in a wave of nostalgia, only for a moment, before being pulled back to the present by the frenzy of fans around you, cheering, singing, and having the time of their lives. Thus went my night as Wallows performed an energetic and fan-centered show in Philly last weekend.
It was a night to remember on all accounts. Their set was filled with newer hits from their recent album Model, and deeper cuts including “Ground,” which they played for the first time on this tour. From layers of impressive backdrops to a B-stage where they played three songs, their set was carefully crafted to delight their dedicated fan base.
The most visually stunning of their displays happened at the very beginning. Their first song, a shortened version of “Do Not Wait,” was performed behind a screen, with the band’s silhouettes fading in and out of the light in a hazy distortion. As they transitioned into “Your Apartment,” the screen fell, revealing the band.
Wallows | photo by Emma Zoe Polyak for WXPN
The three-piece is made up of Dylan Minette, Breaden LeMasters, and Cole Preston, with additional musicians rounding out their touring ensemble. Their unassuming persona captivated the crowd, thanks to the charisma and charm of each member. Minette was the most outgoing, moving across the stage to point and nod at the crowd, who responded with adoring screams. However, LeMasters held his own, offering a mellow presence as he delivered guitar solos and smooth vocals.
Wallows worked cohesively, with Minette and Preston switching instruments at one point, and the entire night felt as if three friends were just jamming out – which to be fair, they were! Having been playing together since they were teenagers, Wallows were comfortable and confident on stage, even with their rising fame.
BENEE! | photo by Emma Zoe Polyak for WXPN
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention BENEE, the eclectic New Zealand opener. Her songs leaned pop but had an additional flare when played live. Add to that her dance embellishments and casual, friendly demeanor – at one point she even took a selfie with a group of fans in the pit – and her stage presence filled the space. You may know BENEE from her hit “Supalonely,” which went viral on TikTok in 2020 and spurred her into the global spotlight. However, her opening show proved that she’s not just a one-hit wonder – but rather, a versatile artist whose momentum is just starting.
The laidback and intimate tone of the night was once again emphasized when Wallows shifted to a B-stage in the middle of the venue about halfway through their set. Although the set-up could be seen throughout the show – think IKEA apartment showhouse but even more minimalistic – fans were in awe as the band weaved their way through the crowd to the smaller stage. They chose to play three songs from their debut EP, Spring, including the tour debut of “Ground,” much to everyone’s delight.
Wallows | photo by Emma Zoe Polyak for WXPN
They returned to the main stage for a couple more songs, before rounding out the show with “I Don’t Want To Talk,” where Minette pulled out a harmonica in an extravagant finish. Well, almost. After leaving the crowd in eager chants and cheers, Wallows returned to play “Are You Bored Yet?” for the encore. A track that usually features Clairo instead featured the entire venue, as Minette held his mic out for the crowd to sing Clairo’s verses. True to form, Philly brought the volume.
Check out a gallery of photos from the show and the setlist down below; Wallows’ tour continues Friday night August 30th in Toronto.