Show Review: THE WLDLFE sells out the Middle East in Boston.
written + photographed by hunter astrid
more photos + the rest of the gallery can be seen here
THE WLDLFE -
THE WLDLFE is a new wave/indie pop band from Indianapolis. They formed back in 2015 and the the group consists of vocalist Jansen Hogan, guitarist and keyboardist Jack Crane, and guitarist and keyboardist Carson Hogan. On this night, they were joined by Miles Laderman on the drums.
Since 2017, they have released five albums; I Lost You, 2017; I'm Not Worried Anymore, 2018; Waking Up Is Hard To Do, 2019-2020; Repaint My Mind, 2021; Goodbye To All Of That, 2023. Back in March of 2016, the band released an EP entitled New, 2016 and features the song “Text Me?” that really helped put their name on the map. Other known singles of theirs are "I Don’t Mind" and “Oversentimental” (2018).
THE WLDLFE has extremely emotive and lyrical sounds, often being compared to music groups like the 1975 and Lany. Their set was filled with dance influenced music blended with indie pop sounds, filling up the venue with extremely upbeat vibes. As someone who had never listened to them but only knew of their name, I had no idea what to expect. That being said, I was genuinely instantly captivated and quickly became a new for. Even with some technical difficulties, the lights wouldn't work at all for a song or two, they put on such a memorable set and played confidently through the dark. I can't wait until they come back.
MY FAVORITE SONG: “Lonely” off of Goodbye To All Of That, 2023
Yueku -
Formerly from the indie-pop group The True Blue, Yueku became the solo project of Detroit singer/songwriter Christian Koo. He's currently accompanied on tour by drummer Miles Laderman and guitarist Dylan Grantham.
Under the name of Yueku he has released one EP back in 2021 called Catch Me If You Can and features songs “Mindreader” and “Somewhere Else.” This first EP is filled with intimate bedroom pop and sweet vocals, sounds, riffs and melodies. He took a break from releasing music for about two years, and started releasing music again in 2023, starting with the single "Paradise" released in May. With the new singles, you can tell his music has developed and changed since his first EP release. His new music sounds more like something you would hear at a house party. Backed with strong basslines and consistent synth sounds, his new music is perfect to get on your feet.
Yueku set that night was full of infectious up-beat indie sounds. You can tell that him living in Tennessee has added influences (a country flair) into his style and production. Although this is the first tour he has ever embarked on, he seems like such a natural performer. He interacted with the audience perfectly and navigated the stage with ease. And even though it was the drummer's first night with them when I saw them, it appeared as if they've been playing together for years.
Next Friday, July 28th, marks the release date of Yueku’s second EP titled Little Less Noise. I will most definitely be listening to it the moment it comes out.
MY FAVORITE SONG: “Marathon” (2023)
ONE FALL -
ONE FALL is a melodic punk band from Salem, Massachusetts. A relatively new band, their debut EP was released in November of 2022. The EP features the three songs “Slingshot,” “Rats Abandon Ship" and “Shoot Straight." The band is made up of vocalist and guitarist Helen McWilliams (previously from Tijuana Sweetheart) drummer Caleb Wheeler, guitarist Phill Hunt, and bassist Joe MacFadzen. Currently, Kyle Paradis has been filling in on bass (his shirt at the show was so badass). Their style appears like they take inspirations from bands like The Distillers, Transplants, and bands with similar sounds.
Their set was full of high-energy and filled the room with punk rhythms as well as melodic riffs. Helen McWilliams has a beautifully powerful voice that rung out over their music, honestly perfectly tying together every aspect of their sound. ONE FALL’s sound was very different and more hardcore than the other artists on this card. That being said, although their style was most likely not what the audience was expecting, the second the four of them started to play the room was instantly captivated them.
Has a hardcore and punk music lover, I absolutely love finding new and underground artists. I look forward to where the future takes them and I cannot wait until they release new music. I'll definitely be looking out for that.
MY FAVORITE SONG: “Shoot Straight" off of One Fall (2022)
