Wunderhorse @ O2 Academy, Glasgow, 27 May

For a band that only emerged during COVID and have just two albums under their belt, British indie-rockers Wunderhorse are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the UK’s most promising acts. Their loyal fanbase is on full display outside Glasgow’s O2 Academy tonight, with crowds lining up early, clad in a sea of official merchandise – T-shirts and hoodies proudly bearing the names of their debut album Cub and their latest release, Midas. Whatever they’ve chosen to model for the night, the crowd are determined to prove their dedication to the Cornwall-based rockers, as if the band are embarking on a decade-in-the-making reunion rather than a tour promoting a sophomore album.

The demographic of Wunderhorse fans is clear, with hundreds of young people eager to claim their spot in the mosh pit. At exactly 9pm – not a minute before or after – the lights dim and the energy inside the venue shifts palpably. Pints fly and chants erupt as the band appear on stage, and once the four-piece are in prime position, they take a brief moment to absorb the overwhelming sight of thousands packed in on a rare sunny Tuesday in Glasgow.

With a single word – “Midas” – frontman Jacob Slater launches into the explosive lead single from their second album of the same name, the band’s raw energy and commanding presence instantly electrifying the crowd. Looking around the venue, not a single person stands still.

Wunderhorse’s ability to command a room is astonishing. They transition seamlessly from moments of unfiltered, raucous rock to stretches of introspective melancholy. Hardcore fans, still breathless from the chaos of the pit, are in tears just seconds later. Their lyrics explore themes like mental health and drug addiction with both vulnerability and poetic grit, creating an intimate connection with the audience.

True to form, the band intersperse their set with slow instrumental interludes before erupting into fan favourites like Silver and Leader of the Pack. While musically beautiful, these interludes seem to test the patience of some in the crowd, who are clearly hungry for more of the band’s high-octane tracks.

Despite limited verbal interaction with the audience, the affection between band and fans is unmistakable. Members of Wunderhorse look out into the crowd with genuine admiration, while fans belt every lyric with the kind of passion that shows just how much the music means to them. The penultimate track, Teal, is met with an explosive reaction – the roar from the crowd and the trembling floors could likely be felt across Glasgow.

For such a new band to inspire this level of devotion is rare. Watching fans sing along to every single word of every single song makes it clear that Wunderhorse are not just another indie-rock band – they’re a phenomenon in the making. And as the crowd spill out into the Glasgow night, still chanting their favourite lyrics, one thing is certain: Wunderhorse are just getting started.