Oscar and the Wolf at Electrowerkz

Electrowerkz is renowned for hosting some of the most exciting, rising young electronic artists – and tonight was no exception. Hailing from Belgium, electro-pop band Oscar and the Wolf have already opened for some huge acts such as Warpaint and Lou Reed, and their highly praised debut album Entity topped the album charts in their home country. The Upcoming stopped by the charmingly gritty warehouse to catch the band on one of their many European tour dates this autumn. We were not disappointed.

Opening with Joaquim, front-man Max Colombie struck a chord with the audience as soon as he opened his mouth – his ethereal, haunting vocals comparable to Brian Molko fused with plush beats and slick production to create the sonic love child of Placebo and Stromae.

Oscar and the Wolf’s sound possesses a cinematic quality that seemed to captivate the crowd, Colombie’s other worldly voice soaring above heavenly synth strings and sensual electro/R&B beats. The slightly more familiar track Strange Entity was also well received and wouldn’t have sounded out of place in the current UK Singles Chart. A cover of Gala’s Freed from Desire (which appeared to be the only song every crowd member could confidently sing along to) impressed the audience and was a welcome change in mood and slightly melancholy atmosphere.

Oscar and the Wolf’s combination of polished electro-pop production, ethereal vocals and undeniably European style is what makes them so unique to their genre, and so enthralling to listen to – particularly in a venue of this kind. If you haven’t already heard of them, we’re giving you a heads up: now is the time to listen to Entity and see the band live in a relatively intimate setting before they blow up inside and outside Europe.

Gemma Whitfield
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Oscar and the Wolf and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Strange Entity here: