Wallows

Article by Ashley O’Mara

The Los Angeles-based alternative-rock band Wallows made a stop in Phoenix, AZ on August 12th, bringing their highly anticipated Model Tour to a nearly sold out crowd at Arizona Financial Theater. The band is touring in promotion of their new album Model, which was released in May of 2024. It has been nearly two years to date since the band has graced an Arizona stage. Fans turned up in droves and packed a theater nearly three times the size of their last show in the Valley. The excitement of their return was evident as the line of eager fans braved the heat, and stretched around the entire building to enter the venue early. 

The set opened with ‘Do Not Wait,’ played in silhouette behind a curtain spanning the entire length of the stage. The light display behind the curtain became increasingly chaotic leading to a curtain drop to mark an immediate transition into ‘Your Apartment.’ Technical difficulties interfered with the smooth transition into the song, but the band quickly recovered. They launched into what would otherwise be a flawless set comprised of songs across their entire discography. The crowd was treated to all but two tracks from the new album. It was evident the new album has been well received by fans as the crowd could be heard belting out the lyrics to not only the favorites of past albums, but all of the new tunes as well. 

Members Dylan Minnette (guitar/vocals), Braeden Lemasters (guitar/vocals), and Cole Preston (guitar/drums) showcased their talents throughout the night by switching up instruments at times and taking turns providing vocals. They were joined on stage by Kevin Grommet on guitar and keys, Danny Ferenbach on keys and trumpet, and Blake Morrell on bass for a more complete sound. Minnette frequently engaged with those on the barricade sending fans into a frenzy. Midway through the set, Minnette made his way into the pit, serenading fans up close and personal with ‘She’s an Actress’ as he moved through the crowd. He then returned to the stage for a more intimate setup featuring only Minnette, Remasters, and Preston. In this segment, the band played more stripped down versions of ‘Only Friend,’ ‘Drunk on Halloween,’ ‘OK,’ and ‘Going Under’ before inviting the touring band members back to the stage to finish out the set. 

The energy from the crowd was palpable throughout the evening, but surged more and more as the band neared the end of their set. Minnette reminded the audience they only had a couple of moments left together, and urged fans to “go as crazy as you possibly can, give it all you’ve got.” Just when you thought the crowd could not take the energy any higher, the excitement soared to new heights. The band closed with ‘I Don’t Want to Talk’ before returning for an encore of ‘Are You Bored Yet?’ and ‘Only Ecstasy.’ The band generously gifted setlists, drumsticks, and guitar picks to those on the barricade before exiting the stage. It was an unforgettable performance, and one that you won’t want to miss!

The Model Tour is just getting started. Catch Wallows at shows in North America with support from BENEE through September 12. The band will head to Europe and the UK with support from Matilda Mann in October, and to Australia and New Zealand with support from grentperez in December. 

Setlist: Do Not Wait/ Your Apartment/ Anytime, Always/ Scrawny/ Don’t You Think It’s Strange/ Quarterback/ Bad Dream/ These Days/ You (Show Me Where My Days Went)/ At the End of the Day/ Canada/ Just Like a Movie/ A Warning/ Uncomfortable/ She’s an Actress/ Only Friend (Tour debut)/ Drunk on Halloween/ OK/ Going Under/ Pleaser/ Calling After Me/ Remember When/ I Don’t Want to Talk/ ENCORE: Are You Bored Yet?/ Only Ecstasy 

Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, AZ on August 12, 2024

Photos by Ashley O’Mara