{"id":38,"date":"2024-11-19T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/?p=38"},"modified":"2024-12-19T22:25:12","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T22:25:12","slug":"wallows-rock-newcastle-concert-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/2024\/11\/19\/wallows-rock-newcastle-concert-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Wallows Rock Newcastle on &#8216;Model&#8217; Tour: Concert Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indie icons, Wallows, take on <strong>Newcastle<\/strong> for the first time ever at the O2 City Hall for their &#8216;Model&#8217; <strong>world tour<\/strong>, and it was an electric first impression for the Tyne.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>After anticipating Wallow\u2019s latest album, <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/64SX9Efb2JGW3rJFE1ZddJ?si=GZOTyWyKRm-52KkkD3kdsw\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/album\/64SX9Efb2JGW3rJFE1ZddJ?si=GZOTyWyKRm-52KkkD3kdsw\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">\u2018Model\u2019<\/span><\/a>, for months, I knew I had to be in attendance to their tour, especially since they were playing a Newcastle<strong> <\/strong>venue barely 10 minutes down the road from me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re unfamiliar with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/wallowsmusic\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Wallows<\/span><\/a>, that&#8217;s understandable, as this was the first time the LA-based band had ever tackled a Newcastle stage. I had the privilege of seeing Wallows on their last world tour in 2023 at Leeds&#8217; O2 Academy and was hooked on the vibrant, playful energy that they brought. So, I had incredibly high expectations for the tour this time around. They did not disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Wallows Newcastle 18.10.24 Concert Setlist\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/playlist\/5TubhyviFNQq2Lu4VzxibA?si=3c4da60bf7644d75&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, Wallows paraded into the O2 City Hall, a 2,135 capacity venue, and it was a sweat-fest. Tickets were sold out for this tour, so I was arm-to-arm with everyone around me, but I was too buzzing to care. Wallows ensured the crowd were up and moving from opening to encore by playing tune after tune with the only breaks being for fan service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It did get to the point I was almost thankful to escape the venue and grasp the fresh air, then fall back home and collapse into bed. It was then I was especially grateful that Wallows came to Newcastle for this tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/MixCollage-26-Nov-2024-01-34-PM-758-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Concert photography of Dylan Minette and Cole Preston, two members of the Los Angeles-based band, Wallows. They are performing at their first concert in Newcastle at the O2 City Hall for their tour following their most recent album, Model.\" class=\"wp-image-68\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/MixCollage-26-Nov-2024-01-34-PM-758-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/MixCollage-26-Nov-2024-01-34-PM-758-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/MixCollage-26-Nov-2024-01-34-PM-758-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/MixCollage-26-Nov-2024-01-34-PM-758-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/MixCollage-26-Nov-2024-01-34-PM-758-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dylan Minnette &amp; Cole Preston (respectively) of Wallows performing at Newcastle&#8217;s O2 City Hall. Image Credit: Amy Mescus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The crowd was determined to give Wallows a memorable first impression of Newcastle with an eruption of cheers and screams when the band appeared to start their set with \u2018Your Apartment\u2019 &#8211; the lead single from their latest album <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/reviews\/album\/wallows-model-review-3758520\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/reviews\/album\/wallows-model-review-3758520\">\u2018Model\u2019<\/a><\/span>, which released in May earlier this year. The track uses upbeat, fast-paced drums and a funky guitar riff, making it perfect to use as their opening song for the concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My personal favourite part of any Wallows show is when they play \u2018Quarterback\u2019. Cole Preston, who is usually playing drums and tucked away behind the other members, and Dylan Minnette, frontman and known for his role as &#8216;Clay&#8217; in \u201813 Reasons Why\u2019, swap places. It\u2019s a unique concept and gives all of the members the chance to show the extent of their musical ability by playing different instruments and singing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There was then a slight change in the set design, which I thought was beautiful despite its simplicity. The lights dimmed and the backdrop became home to hundreds of softly flashing lights as the more relaxing songs slowed down the pace of the concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dylan Minnette performed \u2018She\u2019s an Actress\u2019, taking the time to sing one-on-one to each fan at the front row, squeezing their hands and making personal memories. This is arguably the most emotional song from the Model album; Dylan&#8217;s lyrics are vulnerable and raw, and the simpler instrumental (e.g. a Djembe drum rather than a full drum kit) allows for the lyrics be the standout point of the track. It also gave a chance for the rest of the audience to catch their breath and rehydrate after the first hour of consistent singing and jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"2160\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 3840 \/ 2160;\" width=\"3840\" controls src=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/11\/IMG_6963-2-2.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wallows performing &#8216;Pictures of Girls&#8217; at Newcastle O2 City Hall. (Video Credit: Amy Mescus)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The new set featured a chilled, living room-esque scene, with lamps, a sofa, and a side table, much similar to The 1975&#8217;s set design for their &#8216;At Their Very Best&#8217; tour, to play into the intimate vibe of the show and the running theme of an apartment in line with the album. Wallows opened their this segment with a spell of acoustic renditions of some of their biggest hits from across the years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a break for fan service, a conversation about Newcastle and Northumberland Street&#8217;s Primark, Greggs&#8217; sausage rolls, and a unanimous vote from the audience, we were gifted another acoustic song, this time of another fan-favourite single, &#8216;1980&#8217;s Horror Film&#8217;. This track is popular amongst fans as everyone screams extra loud for the lyric, &#8220;I&#8217;m really not that into guys!&#8221; (Wallows seemingly being an exception).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To round off the show, Wallows played a run of their standout hits from across the years. Even after the 1.5 hour long set, Wallows still had the crowd completely engaged and dancing along with them until they devastatingly had to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But after chanting \u201cone more song\u201d until my vocal cords dried out, Wallows returned to the stage to play the single that skyrocketed their career in 2019, \u2018Are You Bored Yet?\u2019, making the audience erupt one last time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, Wallows put on one of the best shows I\u2019ve seen in a long time (since I saw them on tour last year). There was a fair share of songs from each different project of theirs which, as a long-time fan, I really appreciated. I also liked how personalised they made the show to Newcastle by having a slightly different setlist for each stop on the tour and discussing things that make Newcastle, Newcastle (Greggs). I\u2019m sure I\u2019m not the only one who feels this way when I say Wallows are welcome back to tour in Newcastle at &#8216;Anytime, Always&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like this review, please check out the rest of my work on my website <a href=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">here<\/span><\/a>! You can also follow me on TikTok <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@tunesofthetyne\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@tunesofthetyne\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">@TunesoftheTyne<\/span><\/a> for more Newcastle and music related content. Comment below what you think of Wallows or if you have seen them on tour before &#8211; I would love to hear from you! Here&#8217;s a picture of me from the concert sporting my brand new Wallows merch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/RenderedImage-224x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Me, the author, wearing merchandise that says 'Wallows'. The cap is from the Wallows show in Newcastle for their 'Model' tour.\" class=\"wp-image-125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/RenderedImage-224x300.jpeg 224w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/RenderedImage-766x1024.jpeg 766w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/RenderedImage-768x1026.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/24126\/2024\/10\/RenderedImage.jpeg 1008w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author, wearing Wallows merchandise at their Newcastle concert.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Indie icons, Wallows, take on Newcastle for the first time at the O2 City Hall for their &#8216;Model&#8217; world tour and it was an electric first impression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":278,"featured_media":46,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":25,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,70,25],"tags":[22,15,17,11,13,12,6,16,9,14,19,10,7,8,18,21,5,20],"class_list":["post-38","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-concert-reviews","category-reviews-2","tag-alternative","tag-braeden","tag-cole","tag-concert","tag-dylan","tag-gigs","tag-indie","tag-lemasters","tag-live","tag-minnette","tag-model","tag-music","tag-newcastle","tag-o2-city-hall","tag-preston","tag-review","tag-wallows","tag-your-apartment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/278"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/amy-mescus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}