Wunderhorse

There’s something about seeing a band on the rise, and Wunderhorse at Oxford’s O2 Academy on Friday night felt like witnessing a moment in rock history. Fresh off a sold-out show at Brixton Academy the night before, Wunderhorse delivered a powerful and engaging performance.

The energy in the room was electric from the start. The support act, HighSchool, set the tone with their unique blend of indie rock, warming up the crowd perfectly for what was to come. By the time Wunderhorse hit the stage and launched into "Midas," the audience was more than ready. The title track from their latest album got everyone moving, and from there, it was a rollercoaster ride of intensity, emotion, and pure rock energy.

"Butterflies" and "Emily" followed, keeping the momentum going, while "Cathedrals" brought an almost ethereal vibe to the room. One of the standout moments of the night was "Leader of the Pack," which ignited the crowd into a frenzy. It was impossible not to get swept up in the energy as mosh pits formed, and the crowd roared back every word. There was something magical about seeing the connection between the band and their fans—Jacob’s raspy vocals, despite the strain, seemed to resonate even more.

The O2 Academy’s intimate setting added to the intensity of the night. The venue was packed, and with the close quarters, you could feel every beat and every riff. The sound was raw, loud, and just what you’d want from a Wunderhorse show. Songs like "Girl Behind the Glass" and "Arizona" were delivered with such ferocity that it felt like the room couldn’t contain them.

As the band launched into "Silver" and "Purple," the lighting shifted, casting moody, shadowy tones across the stage. It was the perfect backdrop for Jacob Slater’s vocals, which seemed to take on a haunting quality as the night went on. The crowd sang along, completely absorbed in the performance. The emotional weight of "Aeroplane" was another highlight—Jacob’s vulnerable performance hit hard, and the audience responded with equally emotional support.

Closing out the night with an encore performance of "Teal," Wunderhorse left Oxford buzzing. The crowd was left chanting for more long after the band left the stage, and there was a sense that this was a band on the verge of something huge. Their Ally Pally show next year is sure to be a landmark moment, and Friday night was a reminder that Wunderhorse is a band you need to see live.

For those in the crowd, this gig will be one to remember—an intense, immersive experience that proved why Wunderhorse are one of the most exciting bands in rock today.