The Pennsylvania rock band The Wonder Years have commenced their highly anticipated UK tour celebrating the 10th year of their album ‘No Closer To Heaven’. Released in 2015, the concept album explores grief and detailing emotions that are shaped by the loss of a loved one, and trying to find purpose in the world we live in. The album marks a dramatic change for the band, focusing on raw and connective experiences by incorporating a wider range of musical styles, including acoustic songs.
The first support act of the night was the Minneapolis-based band Gully Boys, who kicked off the evening with their 90s-inspired grunge punk set. Their captivating performance immediately gained the attention of the audience. Known for their high-energy performances and lyrical focus, their set was an inspirational journey through the shared struggles and triumphs within the LGBTQIA+ community, effortlessly setting the expectations for the rest of the night.
The second support act of the night was the American Emo/Punk band Free Throw, who followed the theme of battles in everyday life, often diving into themes of addiction, relationships, and body image. Their set was welcomed by the audience and was met with enthusiastic singing along, crowd participation, and dancing. Frontman Cory Castro captivated the audience with his voice and electric stage presence, setting a very high bar for The Wonder Years later that night.
With the lights down low, it was finally time for the main act, and it was well worth the wait. The dramatic entrance during the intro ‘Brothers’ saw the band take the stage, with Daniel Campbell following by hyping up the audience, ready for the first song ‘Cardinal’. Whilst discussions online wanted more material from their earlier albums, the celebration of ‘No Closer To Heaven’ gave the setlist a strong nostalgic theme that connected deeply with long-term fans. The band honoured a truly inspirational album by making sure to include some of their most loved songs.
The set was divided into two sections, first following a chronological order to the album, and as promised, the second part delivered some of the fan-favourite songs from previous albums. The first set was a raw and powerful rollercoaster, including songs such as ‘Cigarettes & Saints’, which was a song written in the wake of the death of their close friend. The moving first set concluded with the namesake song ‘No Closer To Heaven’ performed by Daniel with an acoustic guitar.
The second set shifted to a more upbeat and celebratory atmosphere; it featured higher-energy tracks and made full use of the stage, with Daniel and the rest of the band making it their own. ‘GODDAMNITALL’ proved to be an audience favourite, eliciting a clear response from the audience that included crowd surfing, mosh pits, and loud sing-alongs.
Even after all these years, The Wonder Years' fan base continues to grow. Tonight proved that when you connect with your audience on such a deep level, they stay with you no matter what.
Alice Pooley
Images: @alicegeniephotography
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