Like a wave that rolls in without warning and suddenly brightens the whole shoreline, The Wombats swept into The Roxian on their tour for Oh! The Ocean. Formed in Liverpool and known for their sharp wit and dance ready indie rock, The Wombats arrived in the Burgh with a sense of confidence that comes only from years of touring and a loyal fanbase that never seems to fade. The otherwise ordinary Thursday night was shaping up to become a full-blown party.
Red Rum Club kicked off the evening with a burst of warmth that suited the room perfectly. Their trumpet driven indie rock filled the space with a cinematic glow, making every chorus feel larger than life. They moved with a lively rhythm that pulled the audience closer with each song, creating a swirl of dancing bodies near the barrier. Their lead singer held the room with a smooth and steady voice, while the rest of the band added charm through tight grooves and expressive playing. It was a set that balanced polish with passion, leaving everyone buzzing and eager for more.
Only The Poets followed with a performance that carried a different but equally captivating energy. Their sound leaned into bright, heartfelt indie pop, and the crowd responded with loud cheers for every soaring hook. Frontman Tommy Longhurst took control of the stage with natural ease, lifting the room with both powerful vocals and warm thank yous between songs. The guitars added a shimmering backdrop that made each chorus feel ready for summer and the drums locked in a steady pulse that kept the set moving. Their set felt honest and full of emotion, the kind that stays with listeners long after the lights come up.
When The Wombats hit the stage, the energy snapped into an even higher gear as the crowd erupted with excitement. Matthew Murphy stepped confidently to the mic, his voice sweeping over the crowd with the opening song “Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come” off of their recently released album Oh! The Ocean. Bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen brought his usual playful presence to the front of the stage, bouncing with a contagious enthusiasm that immediately amplified the vibes. Drummer Dan Haggis anchored the entire set with impressive control, adding small flourishes and sharp accents that kept every moment alive. Together, the trio showed the kind of chemistry that can only come from years of friendship and countless nights on the road.
Their setlist felt like a colourful journey through the band’s history, blending older favourites with shimmering new tracks from Oh! The Ocean. The new songs fit seamlessly into the show. The upbeat “Can’t Say No” was infectiously catchy and impossible to say ‘no’ to. “Blood On the Hospital Floor” had everyone grooving to its catchy hooks. It’s not all fun and games or sunshine and rainbows, “My Head Is Not My Friend” brought a serious edge to the colourful party to balance it all out. Fans jumped and sang loudly during older hits, especially “Moving To New York” and “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)”, creating a unified sound that filled the room. Everyone howled with laughter and delight when their iconic giant wombat walked on stage holding a trombone. The fuzzy mascot joined in the jams, playing along with surprising accuracy considering the costume and turned the show into a mix of comedy and pure delight. It was the kind of surprise that perfectly matched The Wombats’ quirky charm.
The Wombats closed the night with even more energy than they started with, a rare accomplishment for any band. The encore featured “Greek Tragedy” and “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and grew louder and brighter with each beat. Matthew delivered each lyric with heart, clearly grateful for the voices singing every word back at him. Tord danced from one side of the stage to the other with a smile that never faded, while Dan kept the momentum strong with dynamic drumming that seemed to lift the entire room. The night felt like a shared memory between band and fans, full of colour, laughter, and a joy that lasted long after music stopped.
November 6th, 2025
