Wallows

Wallows Bring Electrifying Energy to Seattle’s WAMU Theater

On a warm August night in Seattle, Wallows fans packed into WAMU Theater, buzzing with anticipation for the band's much-awaited return. The stage was set: a black curtain with "WALLOWS" boldly projected across it, teasing the crowd as they waited for the night to begin. As the first notes of Do Not Wait began to play, the excitement in the room became palpable.

Through the curtain, the silhouettes of the band members appeared, each taking their positions. Lead vocalist Dylan Minnette moved through the shadows, hyping up the crowd before the second curtain dropped to reveal the band in full. The opening track, Your Apartment, from their latest album Model, immediately set the tone for the night—a signal that the audience was in for something special. The crowd's roaring approval was all the confirmation needed.

As Wallows launched into tracks from Model, including the standout Anytime, the energy in the theater only intensified. The band’s chemistry on stage was undeniable—they looked like they were having the time of their lives. The vibe was infectious, with fans feeding off the band's enthusiasm as they seamlessly transitioned into their hit Scrawny. The crowd erupted, jumping and singing along, especially when Minnette and guitarist Braeden Lemasters played back-to-back in a moment of pure rockstar synergy.

The setlist was a carefully curated mix of fan favorites and deep cuts, spanning their entire discography. From "Quarterback" and "These Days" to "Bad Dream” and “You (Show Me Where My Days Went)," Wallows offered something for every fan. Each transition was seamless, maintaining the momentum while offering brief, intimate moments that connected with the audience.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Minnette did the unexpected—he hopped off the stage and made his way through the crowd, all while performing the vocal-heavy track She’s an Actress. As he wove through the sea of fans, he stopped at a makeshift stage in the middle of the theater. Joined by his bandmates, they delivered an acoustic set reminiscent of an MTV Unplugged session, featuring slower tracks like "Pictures of Girls," "Pulling Leaves Off Trees," "1980s Horror Film," and the rare gem "Worlds Apart." The latter, a special treat for Seattle, was a reminder of the band's deep connection to their fans, who were given the chance to influence the B-stage setlist each night.

After returning to the main stage, Wallows cranked up the energy even further, something that seemed almost impossible at this point in the night. They launched into a high-octane run of some of their biggest hits, including "Pleaser," "Calling After Me," "Remember When," and "I Don’t Want To Talk." It was a non-stop workout for both the band and the audience, who sang and danced with unabated enthusiasm.

As the set ended, the crowd wasn’t ready to let go. Chants of "Wallows! Wallows! Wallows!" filled the air, setting the perfect stage for an encore. The band returned for one last song, their viral hit "Are You Bored Yet?" The entire theater sang in unison, a fitting end to a night that was nothing short of magical.

BENEE Sets the Stage with a Perfect Opening Set

The night began with an equally compelling performance from opener BENEE, who drew a sizable crowd of her own. As the lights dimmed, the first notes of her hit "Kool" filled the theater, instantly energizing the audience. BENEE’s charisma was undeniable, and her set was the perfect appetizer for what was to come.

Her performance featured a well-rounded selection from her catalog, including "Soaked" from FIRE ON MARZZ and "Beach Boy" from Lychee. The crowd couldn’t help but dance and sing along. The medley of hits like "Glitter" and "Find an Island" kept the energy high, punctuated by a charming interlude where BENEE shared stories of her day exploring Pike Place Market in Seattle. She even mentioned hiding tickets around the city, and two lucky fans in the audience proudly confirmed they had found them—a cute surprise that added a personal touch to the night.

BENEE also took the opportunity to introduce a new track, "Sad Boy," which the crowd received with enthusiastic cheers. The vibey, upbeat tune had the entire venue moving, from the front row to the back of the stands. The energy peaked with "Wishful Thinking" and the danceable "Green Honda," before she closed her set with the viral smash "Supalonely," featuring Gus Dapperton. The crowd erupted in joy, dancing and singing along, a perfect demonstration of the harmony between artist and audience.

As BENEE thanked Seattle, it was clear that the gratitude was mutual. Her set was the ideal lead-in to Wallows, setting the stage perfectly for what would be a night to remember.