Last week, the NX Newcastle was treated to a remarkable performance by the brilliant Wunderhorse.

Wunderhorse are rapidly becoming one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the  alternative rock scene. This show marked the final performance on their highly anticipated, sold-out, UK tour. And they certainly didn’t disappoint.

The mood was set when the lights dimmed and the classic song of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” filled the room—a calm before the emotional storm Wunderhorse was about to unleash. The band swaggered onstage to Beck’s “Loser,” their baggy indie look perfectly complementing the excitement rippling through the crowd.

One of the most striking aspects of Wunderhorse’s performance is their ability to harness controlled chaos within their music. They kicked off the set with the energetic “Midas,” its jagged, choppy rhythm instantly grabbing the audience’s attention. This was closely followed by “Butterflies” from their debut album, a song that drifts you into a captivating trance with its dreamlike sound.

A highlight of the night was the band’s extended intros to fan-favorite tracks like “Leader of the Pack” and “Purple.” Before launching into the former, the band indulged in a frenzied jam session, with frontman Jacob Slater delivering a transcendent guitar solo, before seamlessly transitioning into the song’s familiar melody; sending the crowd into a collective frenzy.

As the night reached its emotional peak, the band ended their main set with the haunting ballad “Superman.” The audience chanted for an encore, and after teasing them with a short break, Wunderhorse returned to the stage to deliver the moment everyone had been waiting for—their hit song “Teal.” As the opening riff echoed through the venue, the crowd erupted, singing every word as if it were a long-held anthem. The set closed with “July,” a heavy, grunge-infused track that left mosh pits raging across the floor.

Wunderhorse is a breath of fresh air in the indie rock scene. Their sound—a blend of grunge, indie folk, and punk—is both nostalgic and refreshing. Jacob Slater’s raw emotional energy captivates, and his deeply personal lyrics, catchy riffs, and infectious hooks ensure the band’s place at the forefront of the genre. With a European tour on the horizon alongside acts like Sam Fender and Fontaines D.C, their rise is inevitable.

For anyone looking to dive into alternative rock, Wunderhorse is the perfect gateway, and I have no doubt their influence will continue to grow in the years to come.