Wolf Alice Concert

Shelby Zheng

I hurriedly pulled out my driver’s license, emptied my pockets, and held out my hands for those two characteristic “X”s as I heard the beginning notes of “Thorns,” a song from Wolf Alice’s newest album, “The Clearing.” I glanced over at the merch table as I made my way into First Avenue, eyeing their “Bloom Baby Bloom” tank but looked away quickly after seeing the taped-up “$40” sign. Was the merchandise truly worth the ticket price itself?

Securing a spot in the back by the staircase, I watched the crowd melt under lead singer Ellie Rowsell’s on-stage charisma. The way she held the mic, gazed over the crowd, and filled the room with her voice made me feel like she and I were “just two girls, like two kids in the park.” 

The band played through their set efficiently, taking two or three breaks in between songs to chat about their songs' origin stories or throw out a compliment to the city of Minneapolis. Every artist says this to every city they visit, but there was something about the way Wolf Alice gushed that made me seem extra special. Perhaps it was the English accent. 

The encore song “Don’t Delete The Kisses” ushered me into that state of concert bliss as the first few notes rang out and bubbles began filling the air. It was a magical moment that could be felt within the entire venue—lights flashing pink and blue, everyone screaming “What if it’s not meant for me, loveeeee,” and swaying to the beat. I felt ecstatic, thinking, “How wonderful it is to be alive.” As the tune ended and the transfixed crowd dragged their feet toward the exit, I floated toward the “Bloom Baby Bloom” tank top, extending my credit card toward the register with a smile.