Stage Stories; Wunderhorse Live From the Button Factory, Dublin

Dublin's Button Factory Transformed into a Rocking wonderland by Wunderhorse

Wunderhorse

The Button Factory, Dublin

28th October 2023

Rating- 4/5 stars

Basht

Basht, a band composed of Jack Leavey, Sam Duffy, Louis Chritle, Luke O'Neill, and the recent addition of Rossa Healy brought an eclectic fusion of musical styles to the stage as the opening act for Wunderhorse's electrifying performance. Their unique blend of intimate lyricism, new-wave bass tones, hip-hop drum beats, and raw guitar riffs set the stage for a memorable evening.

Their performance at the button Factory in Dublin showcased their remarkable vocal talents and musical prowess to a receptive audience. Seamlessly transitioning between slow and upbeat tracks, their genre-defying music left a lasting impression on the crowd. lead singer Jack Leavey's revelation about their aversion to confining themselves to a single genre echoed in their dynamic performance, attracting listeners across different musical preferences. Though unfamiliar with their repertoire, their live show highlighted their potential, leaving a strong inclination to delve deeper into Basht's diverse and captivating music.

Wunderhorse

As a first-time viewer of Wunderhorse's live performance, I knew I was in for a treat at this headline show. Wunderhorse, led by indie-rock alias Jacob Slater, was supported by a skilled band at this sold-out show, featuring the talents of Harry Fowler, Peter Woodin, and Jamie Staples. The anticipation in the crowd was palpable, and as the night unfolded, Wunderhorse did not disappoint, leaving the audience captivated and craving more.

Wunderhorse, typically accustomed to playing as opening acts at larger venues, found themselves in a more intimate setting at the 550-capacity Button Factory. This shift to a cosier venue added a touch of magic to the overall experience and intensified the excitement of witnessing their live performance.

The evening began with Girl Behind the Glass, a track that exudes musical radiance, carried by the intricate guitar work of Harry Fowler. the audience's energy was palpable as Wunderhorse made their entrance to the stage. Following this dynamic opening, the band transitioned into Butterflies, the opening track of their debut album, mirroring the album's quiet beginnings. The crowd's sheer delight at experiencing this song live was unmistakeable, particularly for me, as it's one of my personal favourites from Cub.

Jacob, despite vocal strain from the tour, humbly asked for the crowd's support and insisted on not cancelling the Dublin show, earning more affection from the crowd. Taking refuge on the balcony, I observed the ebb and flow of the audience's energy, with mosh pits opening up during the high-energy performances of Leader of the Pack and Arizona. The quieter moments arrived during Morphine. While both Woodin and Fowler contributed to the background vocals, it was Fowler's masterful guitar solos that often took center stage, skilfully strumming away from the microphone.

The hauntingly beautiful 17 is poignant in its lyrics; "Don't go; Don't leave me here; Where it feels like I'm dying...". Then came the audience's lively rendition of Teal, infusing the Button Factory with raw emotion. Poppy, beginning with an extended introduction, fused by all-out mosh pit frenzy. While drummer Jamie Staples and bassist Pete Woodin laid down an electrifying groove, Slater momentarily took centre stage with a blazing guitar solo, showcasing his musical prowess.

As the encore commenced, the lights turned purple to match the driving rhythm of my personal favourite, Purple, led to an enthusiastic singalong, with the audience taking the reins. Another mosh pit erupted as Slater and the gang extended the intro, witnessing the crowd's hidden talents. Concluding the night, we were treated to Epilogue, a track that showcased the band's truly epic talents, marked by stunning guitar riffs and rhythmic drum beats.

Wunderhorse's performance at the Button Factory deserves a solid 4/5 stars. Whether you're a new fan, a reluctant companion dragged along to the gig, or a die-hard fan, the electrifying atmosphere and captivating talent on display ensured that no one left disappointed. The band's ability to seamless blend their sound, energise the crowd, and maintain an element of surprise throughout the evening made it a very enjoyable experience. For anyone considering catching Wunderhorse live, this perfromance at the Button Factory demonstrated their ability to leave a lasting impression, making it a night well worth attending.

Be sure to catch Wunderhorse on all streaming platforms now!