Wallows First Night of Two Shows at Edinburgh’s O2 Academy

American alt-rock band Wallows brought their highly-anticipated 'Model’ Tour to Edinburgh’s O2 Academy on 15 October, for the first of two nights, and they delivered a memorable and engaging performance that had fans captivated from start to finish.

The evening began with British indie folk artist Matilda Mann supporting, as she took to the stage slightly late at 7:40 PM. Despite the small delay, she was warmly welcomed by the packed crowd. Mann's gentle, melodic sound and assured presence helped set the mood for the night, as she hinted at new music from her upcoming album. By the end of her set, the crowd showed their appreciation with loud applause, clearly impressed by her dreamy, laid-back tunes.

At 8:30 PM, the lights dimmed, and Wallows made their entrance to a thunderous reception, with bright white strobe lights setting the scene for their opening track, "I'm Full”. The energy in the room spiked immediately, and the band matched the crowd's enthusiasm from the very first note.

Frontman Dylan Minnette took a moment early on to thank Edinburgh, mentioning how the band had spent the day wandering the city's streets and grabbing lunch. This personal touch added to the connection between the band and their fans, who cheered at the mention of their local adventures. A highlight of the night was when the band swapped instruments for one song, a playful and unexpected move that delighted the audience and showed off their versatility as musicians.

During "These Days”, the atmosphere became particularly special as a wave of phones lit up the room, and the audience joined in, singing the final verse. The band looked visibly moved by the crowd's response. There was also a nod to Scottish culture, with Dylan mentioning their experience with a Greggs sausage roll, which drew laughs and applause from the audience.

When the band launched into "Pictures of Girls”, the energy in the room was palpable, with the crowd bouncing along and engaging in a lively call-and-response with the band. The synergy between the performers and their fans was undeniable, with the audience singing every word right back to them.

The mood shifted slightly during a portion of the set, with a sparkling backdrop and purple lighting creating a softer, more intimate vibe. It was during this part of the show that Dylan made his way into the crowd, further closing the gap between the band and their fans. After returning to the stage, he invited the audience into what he described as their "bedroom”, as the band sat down and played a stripped-back, more personal segment of the set. This change in tone gave the evening a relaxed, intimate feel and gave fans a glimpse into the band's creative world.

As the night came to a close, the band returned for an encore with their smash hit "Are You Bored Yet?”, sending the crowd into a final burst of excitement. The entire venue sang along, creating a fitting end to a night filled with shared energy and connection.

Overall, Wallows delivered a strong, dynamic performance that balanced high-energy moments with more intimate interactions. Their return to Edinburgh was eagerly anticipated, and they certainly lived up to expectations, leaving fans excited for whatever comes next from the beloved band.