Concert Recap: Wallows
Words and Photos by Zuzu Khalil
On Tuesday night, August 13th, Albuquerque’s Revel Entertainment Center shook as Wallows delivered an unforgettably electrifying performance that left the crowd buzzing.
If you haven't heard of them yet, Wallows—made up of Braeden Lemasters, Cole Preston, and Dylan Minnette—is the American alternative rock band that’s taking the music world by storm. The band kicked off their independent releases in 2017 with “Pleaser,” which soared to number 2 on the Spotify Global Viral 50 chart. Since then, they’ve been steadily dropping new music and touring the globe.
Wallows finally returned to the stage following the release of their latest album Model earlier this year and fans couldn’t be any more excited! Wallows kicked off their Model World Tour 2024 on August 6th and made their way to Albuquerque, NM where I had the pleasure of watching their show.
Special guest, BENEE, ignited the night with a high-energy set that electrified the crowd, perfectly setting the stage for the unforgettable show that followed. As the curtains came crashing down to conceal the stage, the crowd gushed in wild anticipation, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as they awaited Wallows’ grand entrance.
The band kicked off their set with a cool and cinematic behind-the-curtain performance of ‘Do Not Wait.’ When the curtains fell to unveil Braeden, Cole, and Dylan, the venue erupted in awe-struck cheers, as fans were finally face-to-face with their favorite band. And let’s not overlook the stunning stage production that was revealed behind those curtains, adding a breathtaking visual dimension to the performance.
Wallows delivered a masterclass in rock dynamism with a setlist that seamlessly blended fan favorites and new hits. Their performance showcased not only their exceptionally soft and sultry vocals and instrumental skill but also their ability to create an irresistibly groovy rock vibe. From the intricate guitar riffs to the rhythmic drum beats, each song was delivered with precision and passion, captivating the audience and transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration of alternative rock. Wallows' blend of energetic stage presence and musical talent ensured that every moment of the show was both exhilarating and memorable.
One of my favorite moments from the show was Wallows’ performance of 'Remember When.' Dylan graciously asked the crowd to put their phones away and fully immerse themselves in the experience, and the result was nothing short of spectacular—every person in the audience was jumping and singing along, creating an exhilarating wave of energy that left the venue rumbling. Another moment that left me mesmerized was the band’s live performance of ‘Uncomfortable.’ I was captivated by the infectious guitar riffs, the raw and emotional lyrics, and the venue that was suddenly full of stars.
As Wallows exited the stage, the crowd erupted in chants of “One more song! One more song!” Their cheers were so thunderous, it felt like the venue itself might shatter. The band couldn’t resist the call and returned to the stage, with Wallows announcing, “We’ll do you one better…We’ll give you TWO more songs!” and ended the show with a bang.
As someone who’s new to hopping onto the Wallows train, I can confidently say that this is a band you want to put on your radar. Not only are their songs addicting, but they definitely know how to put on an amazing live performance that is nothing short of spectacular and will leave you craving more from them. If you haven’t grabbed tickets yet, I highly recommend you RUN to secure them and catch Wallows in a city near you!
Stream Model here and make sure to follow Wallows on Instagram!