Words and photos by Amanda Torres
For their final North American show of The Clearing Tour, Wolf Alice turned The Wiltern into something between a film set and a fever dream. As a fitting conclusion to a tour characterized by beauty and transcendence, the London group, headed by Ellie Rowsell, delivered rich textures, swirling light, and emotional depth to the historic art-deco theater.
A fine haze pervaded the air, capturing beams of light that hung in the smoke, and the sea-green interior of the Wiltern shone under low amber light. It was more than simply ambiance; it was a living backdrop for a one-hour, thirty-two-minute performance that resembled a movie rather than a rock concert. Before the veil of haze grew thicker, Willy Mason brought the night to a grounded start with his raspy voice and heartfelt reserve. The crowd exploded as soon as the lights went down and the opening chords of “Thorns” were played. While Joff Oddie’s guitar shimmered next to her, Rowsell’s voice drifted through the swirling fog, ethereal yet haunting. With rhythms that beat like a heartbeat, the analogue warmth of their new album The Clearing was conveyed live as velvety and intimate.
Established in 2010 as an acoustic duo named after a short story by Angela Carter, Wolf Alice has developed into one of the most captivating genre-blenders in Britain. The night was defined by that mix of ferocity and tenderness. The haze shifted from gold to violet to deep indigo, each song constructing its own hazy world. While the band performed in romantic synchronization, Rowsell frequently sang with her eyes closed and her hair illuminated by the gentle radiance surrounding her.
All of the members, including the keyboardist, joined in vocal unison halfway through the show, creating harmonies that seemed to be a collective breath. The band acknowledged the welcoming vibe of Los Angeles in between songs. When a supporter exclaimed, “California loves you!” Bassist Theo Ellis blew a kiss as Ellie thanked them with a smile. Their set, which shone with a sense of closure, mixed brand-new songs with well-loved hits like “Smile,” “No Hard Feelings,” and “Delicious Things.” As the night reached its end, Wolf Alice returned for a two-song encore, beginning with “The Last Man on Earth.”Rowsell’s voice filled the theater launching into “Don’t Delete the Kisses,” their beloved anthem of intimacy and longing.
Wolf Alice’s fourth album, The Clearing, is emotionally expansive and rich in analog components, and its live rendition was exceptional. The Wiltern was more than just a musical venue for one special evening; it was a clearing where spirit and sound converged, and Wolf Alice showed Los Angeles exactly how radiant live music can be.
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