Wolfmother brings its worldwide Gypsy Caravan tour to the Leeds O2 Arena this evening, with plenty of folk here to learn what's currently on offer from the Australian 3-piece rockers.
I'm not sure what to expect from a band who have been somewhat quiet this decade, all bar their third album 'New Crown' released in 2013 - itself much more low-key than its predecessors - and whose major triumph came some ten years ago now. Released in 2006, the self-titled Wolfmother was a typically energetic debut album which came full speed onto an otherwise quiet Australian rock scene mid 2000s. Earlier that decade, the likes of The Vines and Jet had gained success both locally and beyond, although nothing quite like this nostalgic sounding 70s psychedelic hard rock band was doing the rounds down under, if indeed anywhere, and it wasn't a surprise that Wolfmother gained favour quickly.
Tonight, they show that this energy is very much alive as they keep an almost full venue captivated throughout the show. They kick off with 'Victorious', the title track from their latest album released a couple of months back, all very Wolfmother with plenty of speed, and stalwart member Andrew Stockdale's high pitched vocals and fancy guitar riffs at their optimum. Some better known oldies quickly follow, with 'New Moon Rising' (from 'Cosmic Egg') making sure every head in the venue nods like crazy and 'Woman' only improves on this to get everybody here jumping up and down crazily, from the mosh pit to the fringe.
Much from the debut album is included in the set list this evening, which is more than acceptable judging by the crowd, although a few new tracks are featured; 'Gypsy Caravan' is the stand-out, and typical of the band's sound with plenty of deep bass-lines, heavy chords, and ethereal lyrics - it's very difficult not to draw reference to Led Zeppelin on hearing this one - and it's fair to say that whilst the band line up has changed over their ten years, their style remains similar and sounds as fantastic now as it always has, certainly to those of us who appreciate their genre.
Stockdale's guitar-playing and vocals are completely on song tonight, and although there is a little bit of banter on occasion - for example, telling us he will be back to Leeds annually now (we wish, Andrew!) - he chooses to focus on what he does best and relays song after song with intent and a very clear passion.
As for Ian Peres, he is absolute dynamite. How can anyone go from bass to keyboards in such outlandish fashion, again and again, over the course of ninety minutes? OK, so many musos can claim a multi-instrument talent but this is something to behold, Perez playing bass one handed whilst the other hand tends to the keys, all whilst he leans into the mike to provide backing vocals to Stockdale's wailing. For most of the newer tracks, he is responsible for both instruments, although on occasion he focuses solely on the keyboard for at least a few bars and then WHOOMF he's got one hoof under the bass and hoists it from its position on the floor into his hands for a few gnarly chords. A dead-set legend, as the Aussies would say, and all folk here would likely agree.
There are too many great songs tonight to mention each one - 'White Unicorn', 'Minds Eye', 'Colossal' amongst them – and it’s no surprise they save a much anticipated 'Joker and the Thief' to bring their superbly-played set to a close. Maybe a visit from Wolfmother each year is too much to expect, although they should definitely come again soon.
FUTURE GIGS
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