Despite the best efforts of Jeremy Corbyn on Twitter, Labour-supporting Wolf Alice lost out to Shania Twain in the battle for No 1 last month.
At least there was some consolation in playing their biggest show to date on home turf in north London. Bassist Theo Ellis singled out his man in the crowd during a celebratory evening.
Visions of a Life, their second album, has placed highly on end-of-year polls and its Nineties-influenced songs were brutally effective in this huge venue. Immediately switching gear from the shoegazing indie of Heavenward to the snarling stomp of Yuk Foo, Wolf Alice’s adroit performance was no-frills yet routinely thrilling.
With slicked-back hair and a diaphanous dress paired with Doc Martens, singer and guitarist Ellie Rowsell led the charge through a brisk set of breakneck tunes including Formidable Cool, taking a breather for the dreamy melody of St Purple & Green and the spoken-word, synth-driven Don’t Delete the Kisses.
These poppy diversions served to accentuate their heavier tendencies, which peaked with Rowsell headbanging and howling on brattish early single Fluffy.
Rock still remains a largely male preserve so it was heartening to see young female fans drawn to Rowsell. Following an audition sourced via social media, a 15-year-old girl with nerves of steel got to play guitar during grungy favourite Moaning Lisa Smile.
As well as being a landmark for Wolf Alice, this storming gig may just inspire the next generation of female-fronted bands.
