House of Music

Wallows

Ace of Spades

Sacramento, CA

April 8th, 2022

Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade

Wallows delivered an electrifying performance at Sacramento’s Ace of Spades on April 8th, 2022, as part of their “Tell Me That It’s Over” tour. The sold-out show marked the end of the tour’s first week and left the audience buzzing with excitement despite the sweltering temperatures inside the packed venue.

The Los Angeles-based alternative rock band kicked off their set with “Hard to Believe,” a track from their latest album “Tell Me That It’s Over,” setting the tone for an evening of high-energy music. Lead singer Dylan Minnette, along with bandmates Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston, showcased their versatility by seamlessly blending their post-punk, indie sound with retro influences.

Throughout the night, Wallows treated fans to a mix of new material and fan favorites. “Marvelous,” another track from their latest album, stood out with its dynamic musicality and Minnette’s creative use of a tambourine during percussion breaks. The band’s interaction with the audience was noteworthy, with Minnette even allowing fans to choose encore songs, a practice that seems to be a staple of Wallows shows.

The concert’s setlist was carefully curated to maintain an engaging pace. As Minnette put it, “We’re going to bring it up, and then we’re going to bring it back down,” before launching into “Scrawny” from their debut LP “Nothing Happens”. This approach kept the audience captivated throughout the performance.

One of the highlights of the evening was the band’s rendition of “Drunk on Halloween,” a 2018 single that was specifically requested by enthusiastic fans holding signs. The show concluded with their most popular Spotify hit, “Are You Bored Yet?” leaving the crowd thoroughly satisfied.

The minimal stage design, featuring only six lamps, allowed the music to take center stage. This simplicity, combined with the band’s infectious energy and tight musicianship, created an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s size.

Opening act Spill Tab, featuring French-Korean American singer Claire Chicha and bandmate Caleb Buchanan, warmed up the crowd with a mix of originals and creative covers, including their own takes on Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” and Usher’s “Yeah!”

Wallows’ performance at Ace of Spades was a testament to their growing popularity and musical prowess. The band’s ability to connect with their audience, coupled with their diverse sound and energetic stage presence, made for an unforgettable night of music that left fans eagerly anticipating their next Sacramento appearance.