The first night of a national tour is equally thrilling for artist and fan, especially when new material is involved, and since Saturday night was the first date of a nationwide tour for Declan McKenna, Cardiff’s Students Union gets to christen a handful of new songs. As with most of McKenna’s UK and Ireland dates, it’s sold out in advance, and getting anywhere near the stage is out of the question unless you’ve queued up early.
Watching openers Wunderhorse, their influences are clear as day and the crowd seem equally enthused to see them as they are McKenna. Leader Of The Pack’s groove nods to Sweet Home Alabama – a country rock expectation later wiped clean by Butterflies’ moodier edge and the uplifting Purple’s under-your-breath 90s grunge vocals. It’s as if the sand dune stage theme was set for them.
Outside in the foyer, a blue and white beach towel with the headline artist’s silhouette hangs alongside T-shirts – a creative merchandise idea referencing McKenna’s new album, What Happened To The Beach? Where 2020’s Zeros felt glam, anthemic and of rock star quality, WHTTB? feels less performative, woozy and experimental.
Taking this into account, it’s understandable why the set only features a few Zeros selections. Beautiful Faces, The Key To Life On Earth and the unexpected addition of Eventually, Darling make the cut; sadly, this reviewer’s favourites Daniel, You’re Still A Child and Rapture don’t.
Newer songs are given their moment and although the setlist didn’t meet my earlier expectations, the funk-stricken groove of Mulholland’s Dinner And Wine is a clear standout amongst more subdued numbers. It sits later in the set alongside the first album nostalgia hit of Brazil, which McKenna released aged just 16. Fans are re-energised after the encore too: Listen To Your Friends and Why Do You Feel So Down are both worthy additions, given the crowd’s reaction.
Closing with album track Mystery Planet into British Bombs, McKenna climbs the side of the stage with his guitar and makes his way to the front of the crowd for some fan interaction. Saving the best for last, the political pipebomb of the closer feels as significant now as it did upon release, covering the trading of arms, patronage and the glorification of war in under five minutes before McKenna exits the stage.
Declan McKenna + Wunderhorse, Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sat 23 Mar
words EMMA WAY photos HANNAH NICOLSON-TOTTLE
