Cole Preston / photo by Hannah Wilson, edit by Caleb Nikolich
“It feels like a trampoline up here” remarks Dylan Minette. His bandmates agree with him, and so do I. Despite years of concerts, I have never found myself gripping onto the barricade for dear life, treading carefully through the pit as if the floor under me was inflated. That’s how much the fans love Minette, Braeden LeMasters and Cole Preston — the floor, and subsequently the stage, were physically bouncing.
The Las Vegas Model Tour date was my fourth time seeing the group, being fortunate enough to see each album (Nothing Happens, I Don’t Want to Talk, and now Model) toured. What keeps me coming back is the music, of course, but this tour took on its own personality in terms of fan interaction.
This was the fifth date on the tour, meaning the general structure of the concert had spread throughout the fandom. Wallows fans that came to expect a “B-stage” from following coverage of other shows were saddened to see The Chelsea unable to accommodate.
Braeden LeMasters / photo by Hannah Wilson, edit by Caleb Nikolich
Of course, the trio was happy to make it up to us. They pulled together at the front of the stage for a set of fan favorites and surprises. Las Vegas was treated to the tour debut of “Let The Sun In,” requested by a fan they met earlier. During the ballad, I kept thinking of the fan in the crowd who not only met the group, but was hoping to hear this song and wound up with it dedicated to them. It’s something that makes me proud to follow Wallows — they likely had the setlist already made, but wanted to give love back to their supporters the best way they can, in song.
Shortly before, Minette jumped into the crowd and greeted fans while meticulously making his way through “She’s An Actress.” LeMasters made his own attempt at a crowd walk for Nothing Happens underrated ballad “Worlds Apart.” Concert crowds are no joke, and they had to know that diving into the pit would create a frenzy. Yet wanting to bring that extra level of connection means the group threw caution to the wind. Pouring your heart out into song while maneuvering a sea of humans who want nothing more than to get closer to you? No problem.
Perhaps part of that bravery is from the confidence Model awarded the band. Interviews explain that the album is “more confident and smarter and more precise,” something that translated on stage. “Your Apartment” was the perfect opening track, starting out wistful and building to fire. “Only Ecstacy” bookends the show with that signature Wallows-style nostalgic feel, yet with a more grown up energy. It can be tough to blow up from music you made years ago (2019’s “Are You Bored Yet?” being what they are most known for) and find that sweet spot of keep
Dylan Minette / photo by Hannah Wilson, edit by Caleb Nikolich
ing your sound while elevating with it. We saw it a bit with Tell Me That It’s Over, but even more so throughout Model, tracks like “Calling After Me” being instant classics for both the setlist and streaming.
If you’re looking to experience Wallows for yourself — shaky floors, crowd walks and all — the Model tour is continuing in North America, Europe, and Australia. Be sure to also check out the namesake album, Model, wherever you get your music.
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*Disclaimer: the quote from Minette at the start is my best recollection, and may not be exact.
Hannah is an accidental internet meme, drummer, loud talker, and proud owner of a purse that functions as a working analog clock. She got the media writer gene from her dad, PF Wilson, another writer for Pop Culture Beast. Her favorite bands come and go on a seasonal rotation, but Marina & The Diamonds and Say Anything are here to say. She’s probably watching The Grand Budapest Hotel right now, but if she isn’t, she’s out photographing rock concerts.