2018 has been a monumental year for The Wandering Hearts, after the release of their debut album, ‘Wild Silence,’ back in February. It’s easy for many people just to think the quartet have burst into the spotlight and into fame with ease, however they have grafted hard in the past few years, as Tara narrated later, ‘a few years back we were playing just round the corner, and it was pretty much my parents, and your [Tim’s] parents there.’ This work has clearly paid off. Having seen the band in smaller venues – like at C2C – I was curious to see how they would perform on a bigger, headline stage with a bigger backing band. They more than lived up to the hype, with tight harmonies, a real tight-knit chemistry and warm presence that engaged the crowd – many ardent fans amongst their number. It is clear that their hard work, touring around the country prior to this tour, including in the summer at The Long Road, Black Deer and Buckle and Boots had earned them a legion of well-deserved fans. Their humility on stage was particularly engaging, making them instantly relatable and likeable, yet no less inspiring.
Their performance last night at Islington Assembly Hall was one for the books. From the first notes of ‘Biting Through the Wires,’ the whole band pulled their weight, with faultless harmonies and a sound that was only more rounded and polished with the addition of a full band. Their power definitely lies in the fact that all four are superb vocalists and were all given their moment to shine. I continue to be impressed by the presence and quiet charisma of AJ on stage – with a gritty, raw edge to his voice that moved this song along, building into the rest of the set. However, more than any other set I have seen them do previously, this one enabled me to be impressed at the talent of each of the band members in turn and then as an entire unit.
Their second song of the night was my favourite from the album – the sweet and moving tune, ‘Wish I Could’ – it was a personal highlight for me to see this one live, and they did not disappoint from the studio version, but impressed me more with their ability to translate such a track to a live performance. Iona, the next track, was another that surprised me with the ability to take a quieter, gentler song to a larger, live venue. The clever sequencing of the set was clear here, loading the front end of the set with these mellower singles, building to a rousing finale, without letting the energy drag or drain from the start, following ‘Iona’ and ‘Run’ (one of the first songs written as a band) with the pacier Rattle. ‘Run’ made it clear to me just how far the band’s songwriting has come, particularly in contrast to their new release ‘Til The Day I Die’ that they performed later in the night.
Picking the tempo up again for ‘Nobody’s Fool’ (taken from their 2017 Burning Bridges EP) gave the opportunity for the gorgeous tonality of Tara and Chess’s voices to shine through. The unusual, beautiful tone they both have is perhaps a key to the appeal of The Wandering Hearts – firmly English, with the gravelly edge both the country and Americana genres possess – unusual enough never to be pop but with something that makes the band stand out – yet their voices and songs are firmly rooted in England.
A powerful, interesting moment was again provided by the band’s rendition of ‘Burning Bridges.’ For this performance, the chandelier was lowered and the four crowded around a single microphone. This was a beautifully intimate moment, both for the band and their fans and – more than any other song throughout the night – showcased the tight harmonies between the girls and their connection on stage, and with the band as a whole.
Again, with a near-perfect set sequencing, this moment was brought quickly but smoothly back up with ‘Change for the Good,’ and the poignant ‘If I Fall,’ before they brought out their latest release ‘Til The Day I Die.’ It is a mark of just how well received the band are at the moment that this newest track drew one of the biggest receptions, showing just how keyed in their fans are to their music and how hungry they are for more – lucky for them the deluxe release of Wild Silence is set for January.
The most high energy moment of the night was provided by ‘Fire and Water,’ that really got the crowd going – I hope for more of these kinds of tracks in the deluxe version, which I believe will really rocket the four’s career. Ending off the main part of their set, were the tracks ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ followed by ‘Wild Silence;’ this last giving Tara and Chess, in particular, the opportunity to truly showcase the magical tonality of their voices.
The encore itself was a masterpiece rather than an afterthought. Beginning with the nostalgic ‘Wonder of You,’ that complete with the atmospheric lighting provided a snapshot of a bygone era. The perennially popular ‘Devil’ was the perfect end to this set, with a beat that left the audience ready to continue dancing all night.
It’s hard to provide a balanced review for such a polished, faultless display of UK-Americana. The Wandering Hearts are a unique band and – if this show was a pointer to the direction they’re going – the only way is to bigger stages and more sold-out headline shows. Having played The Opry already, it seems certain that they will earn yet more traction, and not just on this side of the pond.
Set List
1. Biting Through the Wires
2. Wish I Could
3. Iona
4. Run
5. Rattle
6. Nobody’s Fool
7. Burning Bridges
8. Change for the Good
9. If I Fall
10. Till The Day I Die
11. Fire & Water
12. Heartbreak Hotel
13. Wild Silence
Encore
14. The Wonder of You (Elvis Presley Cover)
15. Laid In the Ground
16. Devil
