Wallows takes on the Metro for another Lollapalooza Aftershow
Review by Kaleigh Gieraltowski
Photos by Valerie Loeblich
It is no secret that indie rock band Wallows cherishes the city of Chicago as one of their favorite tour stops. Although Wallows is not currently touring, a surprise show at The Metro was added to the long list of Lollapalooza aftershows celebrating Chicago's highly-anticipated festival weekend. The band's Metro show was a last minute addition on the Wednesday night before day one of Lollapalooza began. With only a short two week notice before the show, dedicated fans were steadfast to make their way to Chicago. Devotees from all over the globe traveled far to be in the presence for this concert and it was worthwhile. After a short break from being on the road, Wallows fans weren’t sure what was in the cards for this pop up show. Despite this, any and all expectations were overthrown as this show superseded as one of the most sensational performances in Wallows history.
One of the most unique aspects of this show was their opening act, “Buffy The DJ Slayer”, DJ alias of Wallows’ very own drummer Cole Preston. Preston opened the show with a funky DJ set mixing songs like “Barbie Girl” and “Mr. Brightside” that hyped up an already animated crowd. His DJ set lasted around 40 minutes and in that time had the audience buzzing with anticipation for Wallows to fully take the stage. The Metro is a relatively small venue yet the screams erupting throughout the room left electricity bouncing off the walls as they began their opening track.
Keeping that energy going, the band sent a shock wave through the audience when the first chords of the song “Do Not Wait” rang out. This song was remarkable as an opener because it was so unforeseen, “Do Not Wait” is a song about the trials of growing up and blooming into adulthood. Starting off the show with a song so extensive was not only emotional but also thrilling.
Firing right off with another surprise the song “Only Friend” came next, this song is not often played and holds a deep connection to many fans. Wallows started off their set so bold and sentimental but by the third song they kicked up the intensity with a fan favorite “Pleaser.” As emotions were still high, the crowd jumped and sang with the band. This moment felt like a rejoyceful homecoming to me. Watching Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters and Preston back together with the sea of fans that are so passionate about their music, screaming the words back to them. Two more vivacious songs followed this, “Marvelous” stole the show with the help of Minnette’s tambourine he flaunted around the stage, and “These Days” a lively duo between Minnette and Lemasters as they sang the chorus together.
What came after this sent me into a hysteria I was not prepared for. The band started off with a few chords that were familiar to me, but did not register in my brain until I realized what was happening. What is so addicting about a Wallows show is their ability to switch up a set list, and always keep you on your toes. That is exactly what the band did when they played the song “Sidelines.” This song is a rarity when it comes to live performance since it came out in their Nothing Happens era back in 2019. The crowd (including myself) went absolutely barbaric when the song began, leaving it as one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Wallows switched over to their Remote EP with a jumpy track “Dig What You Dug,” and then moved into the angsty “Scrawny,” two loud and inviting songs that will leave you enervated after they're done. When Minnette makes his way over to the drum kit, the crowd knows what's coming up next. Once every show, drummer Preston takes the limelight when he grabs the microphone and sings the lead vocals on “Quarterback.” Even after all the dancing and singing the audience continues to give their all to Preston during one of the most standout pieces of the show.
Continuing their stellar song choice, the band played “It’s Only Right” and “Trust Fall.” Two more ballads that the audience was elated to hear. I loved watching the raw reactions of fans when they realized what songs were being played. “Trust Fall” is scarcely played and resulted in a flow of tears and euphoric enchantment.
Lemasters grabbed his wireless microphone and took a trip to the top balcony of the venue and glided around through the fans during “1980s Horror Film” making sure to include everyone at the show. “Uncomfortable” and “At The End Of The Day” were also played, two heart wrenching songs that had the audience swaying back and forth holding each other.
Wallows began to say their goodbyes to the audience as the song “Are You Bored Yet?” began to play. The band is known for ending their shows with this as an encore as it is one of their most widely known hits. Although, as the song finished instead of leaving the stage the band continued to play. Dylan strummed on the guitar and sang “You are my only ecstasy / You are the only one for me” everyone in the crowd turned and looked at eachother with questioning faces. Not long after emotions ran incredibly high as we realized they were playing a brand new song. “Only Ecstasy” debuted for the first time ever that night, being a jubilant ending to an already magical evening.
After this, Wallows came back out for their real encore. With “Remember When” and “I Don’t Want to Talk.” The band always puts on a marvelous show in Chicago, but this one takes its place as my favorite one yet. Between the unanticipated yet incredible setlist, the debut of a brand new song, and being reunited with so many adoring fans, this years aftershow will go down in history as the most awe-inspiring Wallows show yet. Stay on the lookout for their new single “Only Ecstasy” and make sure to catch a show next time they tour near you!
