Glasgow was more than ready for the Clearing tour. As fans of all ages – mostly women – lined up outside the venue, you could almost taste the excitement. They’d come to see their idol, Ellie Rowsell. And to warm things up, the band enlisted standout support acts: Canadian singer Bria Salmena and New York City’s Sunflower Bean.
Kicking off the evening’s entertainment is the talented Canadian singer Bria Salmena, who takes the stage as the audience gradually settles into their seats. Her performance unfolds with a moody and atmospheric quality, enveloping the venue in a soundscape that feels both haunting and immersive. Each note reverberates through the air, creating a brooding ambience that possesses an almost ritualistic quality, drawing listeners into her world. It’s the kind of slow-burn introduction that truly rewards those who lend their ears with intention and focus.
As she pours her heart and soul into each song, the audience is captivated, their attention held tightly by the enchanting melodies and poignant lyrics. With every passing moment, the Hydro’s spacious interior fills with a sense of anticipation and connection, and by the time Bria Salmena completes her evocative set, the venue has quietly reached its capacity, buzzing with energy and appreciation for the artistry they have just experienced. The atmosphere is electric, setting the perfect tone for what promises to be an unforgettable night ahead.
The next band to take the stage was Sunflower Bean, a dynamic trio hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City. They delivered a performance that was noticeably stronger than their predecessors, captivating the audience with their clear and powerful vocals, impressive musicianship, and an electric stage presence that was hard to ignore. Sunflower Bean expertly engaged with the crowd, creating an atmosphere charged with energy and excitement. Their unique blend of indie rock resonated perfectly with the demographic that Wolf Alice attracts, effectively setting the stage for the main event to come.
As the lead singer took a moment to interact with the audience, she shared a light-hearted moment by sampling one of Scotland’s famed beverages, Buckfast Tonic Wine. After taking a sip, she playfully remarked, “This could be dangerous,” eliciting laughter and cheers from the crowd. This connection with the audience not only showcased their charismatic personality but also added a delightful local touch to the performance, further endearing them to the fans present. Overall, Sunflower Bean’s set was a thrilling preview of the musical journey that awaited as the night unfolded.
It was time to welcome Wolf Alice to the beautifully designed stage. Lead singer Ellie Rowsell emerged against a backdrop of shimmering silver streamers, dressed in a striking black leotard that stood out against the gleaming setting. From the very moment she stepped onto the stage, it was clear that the audience was in for a vibrant and energetic performance, giving the band a special Glasgow welcome. The band opened the set with the excellent “Thorns.”
This poignant opener might not have seemed the most predictable choice to energise the audience, yet Rowsell’s heartfelt lyrics and the track’s gentle instrumentation perfectly bottled the wistful atmosphere so often tied to Wolf Alice. Though it lacked the punchy intensity of many of their other songs, it proved an ideal gateway into their new material, setting the evening’s tone just as it does at the start of The Clearing.
The second song in the set was ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’, the lead single from The Clearing. Blending hazy dream‑pop with bold classic‑rock swagger, Rowsell delivered the song’s sultry lyrics over a smooth, blues‑tinted backdrop, spotlighting her distinctive, almost operatic vocals. With its uplifting message of personal growth, ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ was the ideal pick to energise the crowd as the performance truly got underway.
Wolf Alice slid seamlessly into the blues‑streaked fan favourite “Formidable Cool” from their sophomore album, Visions of a Life. Ellie Rowsell flickered between airy finesse and gritty screams; a show of range that’s helped cement the band as a pillar of UK indie. The sleek, swaggering riff and carefully wrought vocal lines underlined the group’s tight chemistry and stylistic flexibility. Placing “Formidable Cool” so early in the set – especially following “Thorns” as an opening statement – was a daring but savvy move, its ’70s‑tinted flair setting the whole crowd tapping their toes.
Wolf Alice then unveiled “The Sofa,” the deeply personal second single from their latest album, a track about embracing feeling and refusing to be boxed in by the world. Before launching into it, Ellie Rowsell paused to frame its meaning and quipped, “If I want to wear my sparkly knickers, I will!” – a line that drew rippling laughter and roaring approval from the crowd.
The band next slowed things down with “Safe from Heartbreak” from Blue Weekend. Its spare instrumentation and Ellie Rowsell’s trilling melody stood in stark contrast to the rest of the set, offering a welcome callback to the opening number. Then, turning to the crowd, they invited everyone to think of an ex and, at the count of three, yell, “you fucked with my feelings!” Despite the song’s gentle feel, Wolf Alice injected their signature indie‑rock bite into the moment, rousing the audience into an uproar of shared intensity.
Their grand finale was their most ambitious song yet, “Don’t Delete the Kisses.” Live, its lush, echoing instrumentation and Rowsell’s smooth, flowing vocal felt just as otherworldly as it does through your headphones. The crowd was instantly swept up, joining in to sing every word.
Wolf Alice transported Glasgow into their own musical realm with a dazzling performance that thrilled both longtime followers and new converts. Their Clearing Tour show was a powerful exchange – the band delivering unforgettable songs and the crowd providing boundless energy – making it an event worth chasing down tickets for. The band headline TRNSMT 2026 in Glasgow, I am sure you will not want to miss this.
Review Karen Edmond
Photographs James Edmond Photography
