On March 18th, English indie rock band The Wombats lit up Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham with a night packed full of energy, infectious tunes, and colourful chaos that left fans buzzing long after the show ended. 

Before The Wombats took the stage, Everything Everything, the art rock band from Manchester, kicked off the night with a standout performance, delivering a fusion of art-pop, rock, and genre-bending soundscapes. It was my second time seeing these guys live and once again, they did not disappoint. The only difference this time was the sheer scale of the performance; this venue was ten times bigger than the last one I saw them in, but they commanded the large stage effortlessly. Their set was a concoction of falsetto driven vocals and infectious rhythms that had the crowd moving from the first note. The band’s energy and tight musicianship made for an electrifying opening set.

Before we knew it, the moment everyone was waiting for had arrived. The Wombats made their grand entrance, ironically opening with "Sorry I’m Late, I didn’t Want to Come", a track off of their latest album "Oh! The Ocean." Consisting of frontman Matt Murphy, bassist Lord Øverland Knudsen, and drummer Dan Haggis, the band effortlessly blended new material with beloved classics, hitting all the right notes for both long time fans and newcomers. Their live sound was crisp, full of passion, and completely true to their recordings. So many of their songs packed with nostalgia, serving as some of the biggest anthems to a generation of indie kids who grew up in the early 2000s. The lighting was a kaleidoscope of colors, perfectly complementing the vibrancy of the show and creating a lively visual experience.

The atmosphere was electric, with fans jumping, singing, sitting on shoulders and moshing throughout the entire set. At one point, Dan even dared the audience to create a mosh pit during an a cappella section of the set, and of course they rose to the challenge, forming a wild circle during "Tales of Girls, Boys & Marsupials," which was an incredible sight to see. The night felt like one big party. Some highlights included the troupe of acrobatic, trumpet playing wombat mascots that adorned the stage, the confetti cannon during "Let's Dance to Joy Division," and the colorful rainfall of balloons released during "Greek Tragedy," making for an unforgettable close to a sensational night.

Somehow this was only my first time seeing the band live, and I wish I’d done it sooner! The whole night felt like a celebration full of memorable moments. I wholeheartedly encourage you to catch The Wombats at one of their upcoming shows if you get the chance. They have just embarked on their European tour which concludes in Brussels on April 16th, and in October this year they’ll grace the states. Grab a ticket while you can!