Wallows: Model & More Tour, The Wellmont Theater, 2/14/25

Photos by Shannon Daly, Review by Ioanna Tsompanellis

Montclair, New Jersey –

This past Friday, the alternative rock band “Wallows” paid a Valentine’s Day visit to The Wellmont Theater for their “Model & More Tour” right here in Montclair and I have a lot of things to say about it— all positive, of course.

The concert opened with Deb Never who performed a lot of her newer songs as well as a few unreleased ones. Her energy, especially with the crowd, was so fun and lighthearted and while this was my first time hearing any of her music, I certainly enjoyed her performance and I can’t wait to hear more of her music.

Now for Wallows, I was completely floored by their performance. They opened with “She’s an Actress”, with Dylan Minette in the crowd?! The energy in that theater, especially during that first song, was something that can’t be matched. The screams from the crowd filled every corner of the room. I’ve never seen a band bring so much energy to a crowd and maintain— or even increase— it throughout the entire night. Afterward, they proceeded with songs like “Anytime, Always”, “Scrawny” (my favorite), and “It’s Only Right”.

One of the things that stuck out to me during this concert was the lighting design. As someone who’s been involved in behind-the-scenes work of productions and performances, I pay close attention to set details and I consider it something that can make or break a show. For Wallows, it for sure made it. There was just something about how they took advantage of the lighting on the stage and how it would light up the theater in each song that made the energy in the room that much more electric and fun and fit the song they’d play in that moment so well.

That said, their engagement with the crowd was equally entertaining. From pointing out fans that they recognized to reading signs and even helping someone in the crowd to ask their crush to be their valentine (she said yes!) the band made their show feel so personal despite it being in such a big room with so many people. Along with that, the concert being held on Valentine’s Day made it even more significant. At one point, during their song “At the End of the Day” the crowd put paper hearts in front of their phones and waved them with their flashlights, and the room lit up with red and pink. The show concluded with the songs “Are You Bored Yet?” and “Only Ecstasy” during their encore.

I can honestly go on and on about this show, but to put it simply, Wallows truly delivered a memorable night of music. From the vibrant performances to the intimate moments with the crowd, it was an experience that left everyone in the theater feeling energized and connected. If you ever get the chance to see them live, please do— Wallows undoubtedly knows how to put on a show that you’ll remember long after the final note.

Wallows Setlist (via Setlist.FM)
She’s an Actress
Anytime, Always
Scrawny
It’s Only Right
Pulling Leaves Off Trees
Quarterback
Bad Dream
These Days
You (Show Me Where My Days Went)
At the End of the Day
Canada
Let the Sun In
Just Like a Movie
Pictures of Girls
Your New Favorite Song
Uncomfortable
Pleaser
Calling After Me
Remember When
I Don’t Want to Talk
Are You Bored Yet?
Ecstasy