LEWIS: Wallows play energetic crowd pleaser show in Omaha

Dylan Minette of Wallows performs at the Astro Theater for the Model & More Tour on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in La Vista. Photos by Izzy Lewis.

A line stretched out for hours in front of The Astro in Omaha, Nebraska on Feb. 6, as fans waited in anticipation to be the first to see Wallows’ newest tour. Despite the frigid Nebraska air, fans in line for both VIP and general admission braved the weather to get the best view of the alternative rock band at the sold out show.

The last time Wallows were in Nebraska, they played the Bourbon Theater in Lincoln. The Astro is one of the newest venues in the Omaha area, as it opened in August 2023. The theater features two floors, a general admission pit with surrounding table top seating and a seated balcony level. This seating arrangement was much better for fans than the overbooked and crowded Bourbon. 

Omaha’s show was Wallows’ first of 2025 and the first stop of their Model & More tour. This tour is a continuation of last year’s Model tour, now amended in anticipation of the band’s new EP, “More,” that is set to release on March 28.  

Indie artist Deb Never opened the show. Her sound is difficult to pin down, but it was sort of a hybrid between R&B and pop rock. Never’s vocals were emotional over driving drums, as she played both acoustic and electric on select songs. 

Deb Never performs at the Astro Theater for the Model & More Tour on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in La Vista. Photo by Izzy Lewis.

Never told the crowd she was playing a lot of new music, and at first the audience wasn’t entirely receptive. However, as Never’s set went on, the crowd began to appreciate her distinct energy. Never seemed to grow more energized with each new song. I really enjoyed Never’s performance, particularly the variety in her setlist.

Once Never concluded her set, a black curtain dramatically dropped in front of the stage reading “Wallows” in projected white letters. When it was time for the show to start, the black curtain transitioned into a white sheet. A backlight casted the band members, lead singer Dylan Minnette, guitarist and vocalist Braeden Lemasters and drummer Cole Preston, in silhouette. 

The Wallows’ shadows sang the first song, “Do Not Wait.” As their silhouettes shifted and stretched, a dreamy sort of anticipation took hold. This was the most visually stunning part of the show, it almost felt like a movie. 

Dylan Minette of Wallows performs at the Astro Theater for the Model & More Tour on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in La Vista. Photos by Izzy Lewis.

When Wallows were finally revealed, their appearance instantly captivated the audience. In one of the opening songs, Minnette descended from the stage and stood on the barricade, directing all eyes to him. Minnette and Lemasters battled back and forth as they played guitars, building off of each other’s energy.

Minnette stood out in terms of stage presence. He worked the crowd as he romped back and forth on the stage. He would wave at screaming fans, making eye contact and pointing at them. 

Wallows played their newest song, “Your New Favorite Song,” for the first time live. The song was only released a month ago, making Omaha the first opportunity for the band to play it in front of their fans. 

“At Wallows shows we really like movement and energy,” Minnette said. 

The crowd did not disappoint. They clapped on beat, sang loudly to the “Pictures of Girls” bridge with Minnette often holding out the mic stand to the crowd, letting them fill the theater with their singing. At one point, Minnette even handed the microphone to a fan that sang a verse on “OK.” 

Even though Wallows didn’t talk much to the crowd, they still made the show feel very personal and fan-orientated. Minnette sang a quick "Happy Birthday” to a fan in between songs later in the show. 

The trio was supported by other touring musicians on keys and bass that helped provide their upbeat sound. Wallows instrumentals are unique, producing a creative blend with the vocals. 

Minnette and Lemasters switched which songs they sang lead vocals on. Each had their own distinctive sound, but I preferred Lemasters’ voice. The moments when the two harmonized were especially enthralling.  

Braeden Lemasters of Wallows performs at the Astro Theater for the Model & More Tour on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in La Vista. Photo by Izzy Lewis.

During “Going Under,” Lemasters ventured into the crowd past the barricade. As he sang, he journeyed around the main floor, visiting fans all around the theatre. Fans around me were craning their necks, checking to see where Lemasters would go next. He stopped in front of me and took a selfie with a fan before going back on stage. 

“I Don’t Want to Talk” was my favorite of the evening. The crowd was electric as they sang along, and when Minnette pulled out a harmonica, I was in shock. The flashing lights and energy in the room as Minnette played the harmonica was unmatched. 

The crowd forewent any of the typical unison chanting, instead opting to just scream to bring Wallows back out for an encore. Wallows returned to the deafeningly loud cheers to play “Are You Bored Yet?”  

Their last song of the evening was “I’m Full,” a fan favorite that strayed from the written setlist. Minette said they were playing it since the crowd was so responsive to their performance. Wallows did not play this song in later shows in Waukee, Iowa and Minneapolis, so those in attendance can count themselves lucky for the opportunity to hear this song live. 

The Model & More tour is currently scheduled to continue into August. Wallows utilizes fluid setlists, singing something different on each tour stop, so I’m sure the show will continue to evolve over the coming months, especially with the release of their next EP happening mid tour. Nevertheless, no matter how much the show changes, Omaha set the tone for the Model & More tour. 

Published in the Daily Nebraskan, read here.