Concert Review: Wunderhorse at Underground Arts, Philadelphia

Philadelphia was buzzing with energy on this chilly evening, as its beloved Eagles prepared for the NFC Championship the following day. The city was aglow in green, with bridges and buildings lit up in support. Yet, for a few hundred music lovers, the night wasn’t about football—it was about music. At Underground Arts, a basement venue tucked into the heart of the city, a UK-based band by the name of Wunderhorse was about to take the stage.

Wunderhorse - photo:@dumivisuals

Wunderhorse, fronted by the electrifying Jacob Slater, has been steadily gaining momentum since its inception as a solo project during the pandemic. Slater, previously of the punk trio Dead Pretties, has taken his raw energy and channelled it into a grittier, more melodic sound. With two albums—2022’s CUB and 2024’s MIDAS—the band has quickly become a rising star on both sides of the Atlantic.

For me, Wunderhorse was a recent discovery. Just three weeks ago, Spotify served up “Teal,” a track so infectious and rough-edged it yanked me from my work. Minutes later, “Midas,” the title track from their newest release, sealed the deal. I was hooked. To my delight, I found out they were playing in Philly—tickets bought immediately.

Walking into Underground Arts that night, it became clear that Wunderhorse had already amassed a loyal following. Conversations with fellow attendees revealed similar stories: friends sharing tracks, stumbling across the band on “album of the year” lists, or simply being captivated by their music during a random Spotify shuffle. One guy confidently told his friend, “You’re about to see the best up-and-coming frontman on the planet.” Big words, but as the night unfolded, I couldn’t really disagree.

The band took the stage with a no-holds-barred opener, launching straight into “Midas.” The room erupted. Slater, sweat-drenched within minutes, commanded attention with his gritty vocals and intense guitar work. The rhythm section—Jamie Staples on drums and Peter Woodin on bass—drove the band’s powerhouse sound, while guitarist Harry Fowler’s grungy, distorted tones added depth.

Their setlist spanned both albums, with no filler in sight. Early favorites like “Teal” and “Leader of the Pack” had the crowd singing every word, while newer tracks like “Rain” showcased Slater’s emotional range. During that performance, his repeated cries of “Do you feel the rain?” felt less like a question and more like a demand—a moment of raw vulnerability that hit hard.

The energy never dipped. The band’s formula of hook-heavy melodies paired with relentless rhythms kept the audience locked in from start to finish. Every song felt like a highlight, but “Rain” was a standout—a cathartic crescendo that left the room breathless.

As I left the venue, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just witnessed something special. Wunderhorse is a band on the cusp of greatness. One day, I’ll be able to say, “I saw them at Underground Arts before they blew up.” And while the next time might not be as intimate, one thing is certain: the party has just begun, and Wunderhorse is here to stay.