“Oh, we drove in for this,” a Canadian couple shared after driving for almost ten hours, and waiting outside Boston’s Paradise Rock Club for two more. The occasion? The long-awaited return of indie folk band Wilderado.
After the band’s three-year hiatus, tour spirits have been high. The Oklahoma-based band is known for its urban folk sound that has captivated audiences at both festivals and intimate venues.
British duo Flyte opened for Wilderado. Peacefully singing under warm red lights, the pair did a fantastic job getting the crowd ready. They played their hit “Tough Love” before sharing they had to return to New York that night to finish recording their upcoming album.
There was quiet, excited chatter amongst the crowd when Wilderado took the stage. The group played their entire set with a simplistic set-up to highlight the members and the art for their upcoming album ‘Talker,’ out September 20.
The band began with their 2024 single “Tomorrow.” The group continued to play hits like “Morning Light” and “Wheat” off their 2017 EP “Latigo.” Fans at the back of the venue and in the balcony swayed along and shared moments with their friends and loved ones, engaging in the show just as much as fans at the barricade.
About halfway through the set, the band played “Talker” getting fans amped for the group’s first album in three years. When talking about the track, lead singer Max Rainer shared that the group “needed to get over writing for y’all and write for themselves.”
Rainer has two daughters, aged 5 and 8, that he lovingly talked about between songs. Rainer and drummer Justin Kila grew up together but didn’t connect until moving to Los Angeles as adults; their bond is clear on stage as the vocals harmonize with the soft drum beats.
The band continued to play fan favorites from past projects, specifically their self-titled debut from 2021. Wilderado truly feels like a band – each member compliments the other. Other bandmates Colton Dearing and Tyler Wimpee shared their skills on tracks like “Take Some Time” and “Surefire.”
The crowd cheered for an encore after the set finished. The four bandmates came back on stage moments later carrying nothing but an acoustic guitar and gathered at the microphone stand, waiting.
By the first few notes, the crowd joined the band for an acoustic rendition of one of the group’s most well-known songs “Rubble To Rubble.” Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the group’s foundation is built on creativity at home. Sharing such an intimate moment with hundreds of fans was incredibly special for the band and the audience alike.
In an age where many concert goers comment on the lack of “concert etiquette,” Wilderado’s show at Paradise Rock Club served as a pleasant reminder that it still exists. Where many fans shout over the performers, push at the barricade or hold up obnoxious signs, Wilderado’s audience seemed incredibly grateful even to catch a glimpse of the band.
Their second album ‘Talker’ is out on September 20. Tickets for their tour can be found here: https://www.wilderado.co/tour
