Review by Abigail Zamora
September 12, 2024, Inglewood, CA- The Kia Forum
Wallows closed out the U.S. leg of their tour with a highly anticipated hometown show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, CA, on September 12th. To say they performed an incredible show is an understatement. The Los Angeles-based trio—Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston—crafted a night that felt less like a concert and more like a reunion among friends. The crowd, a sea of familiar faces and new fans alike, witnessed a set that spanned their entire discography and showcased their growth both as a band and as individuals.
Opening with the introspective “Do Not Wait,” Wallows set a contemplative tone that felt like a deep breath shared between the band and the audience—a moment to soak it all in. The slow build of the song mirrored the anticipation in the room, and when it reached its emotional crescendo, the crowd erupted. There was an undeniable sense that this show was different, more personal. The band members were back where it all began, and they were ready to give it their all.
As they transitioned into “Your Apartment” and “Anytime, Always,” it became clear that this show would be a journey, a trip down memory lane mixed with a celebration of where Wallows are today. By the time the explosive “Scrawny” kicked in, the energy in the room reached a fever pitch. Fans jumped, danced, and sang every word, feeding off the palpable excitement radiating from the stage.
Moments like “Only Friend” and “Treacherous Doctor” were met with the kind of fervor you only see at a hometown show. The band members exchanged glances and grins throughout, clearly feeling the love from the crowd. Then came a highlight that felt particularly intimate—Cole Preston stepping out from behind the drum kit to perform “Quarterback.” His raw, emotive delivery gave the song a special resonance, and you could feel the audience hanging on every word, captivated by seeing a different side of him.
The set continued with “Bad Friend” and “These Days,” both of which perfectly balanced introspection and infectious melody. Slower moments like “You (Show Me Where My Days Went)” and “At the End of the Day” allowed the audience to catch their breath and absorb the more reflective side of Wallows’ music. As they transitioned to “Just Like a Movie” and “A Warning,” the band proved that they could effortlessly shift from high-energy anthems to more intimate, emotionally charged tracks.
Even deeper cuts like “Uncomfortable” and “She’s an Actress” felt like special moments between the band and their die-hard fans, while “Pictures of Girls” turned the arena into a euphoric, collective sing-along. As the night continued with “Let the Sun In” and “1980s Horror Film,” there was a shared sense of nostalgia in the air, with the crowd swaying and singing along to every word, creating a beautiful, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
The main set concluded with “Going Under,” leaving the crowd in a frenzy, chanting for more. The band’s encore was a gift—a six-song powerhouse starting with “Pleaser” and “Calling After Me.” With each song, the energy only intensified, culminating in unforgettable performances of “Remember When” and “I Don’t Want to Talk,” where the audience’s voices nearly drowned out the band.
As they closed with “Are You Bored Yet?” and the final, frenetic “I’m Full,” Wallows left everything on that stage. The Kia Forum was buzzing with a shared sense of euphoria and connection—this wasn’t just another stop on the tour; it was a homecoming.
As a fan who has followed Wallows’ journey from the Greek to the Shrine, to the intimate settings of the Roxy, and now to the massive Kia Forum, this was more than just a concert—it was a core memory. Watching them evolve and grow with each show has been a privilege. Seeing them command the stage at the Forum, surrounded by thousands of fans who have also been part of this incredible ride, filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride.
Between songs, Dylan, Braeden, and Cole often looked out over the crowd with a mixture of gratitude and amazement, acknowledging the significance of the night. “It feels incredible to be back here in LA,” Dylan said at one point, his voice tinged with emotion, and the audience responded with overwhelming cheers. There was a shared understanding that this night was something truly special.
Overall, Wallows’ performance at the Kia Forum was a triumphant end to their U.S. tour, a celebration of how far they’ve come, and a promise of even more to come. For those who have been there from the beginning and those just joining the journey, it was a night of celebration, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments that reaffirmed why Wallows continues to hold a special place in the hearts of their fans.
EightBallMag 