Wolfmother
O2 Academy Brixton, London
21/01/10

A fairly decent reception greets support band The Black Angels as they treat us to a dose of Texan guitar drool and distorted vocals. But it’s Wolfmother the crowd are waiting for, and the venue is full of expectation as we wait for the big-haired bunch to appear.

The band finally break out onto the stage wearing all black, except for lead singer Andrew Stockdale, who sets himself apart with a statement that he is the main ‘Wolf’. Leaps and waves from the smiling singer are charming and warm as the set kicks off; punchy basslines and keys from Ian Peres blending well with the yelps and screeches of the guitars – the build up of breaks and pauses within songs leaving us feeling genuinely exhausted from the vigorous musical display.

The static frizzy hair of the frontman, mixed with the energetic chemistry of his band is phenomenal when seen and heard live, and Brixton Academy becomes an impressive musical playground as an over-excited Peres balances his entire body on the keyboard at one point. A euphoric interlude in old favourite ‘Woman’ then finds the band hurling their bodies around the stage – utter passion – proving that these guys are capable of pulling together an enormously huge sound with buckets full of sweat and enthusiasm.

Fans grasp at the band as the place goes wild for the ever-famous riff of ‘Joker and the Thief’, which ends the night in style. This huge stage is made for the Australians and it is exactly where they belong. After all, Wolfmother’s sound is best complimented and seemingly made especially to suit live performances. “This second time is so much better to be at Brixton”, states Stockdale. Yes, we firmly agree!

Jade Dutton