Wolf Alice Drummer Joel Amey Excited for Perth Return and New Musical Directions
British rock band Wolf Alice will perform at the Ice Cream Factory in Northbridge, Perth on December 8, 2026, as part of their Australian headline tour. This marks their second visit to Western Australia within a year, following their appearance at the Laneway Festival earlier in 2026.
Drummer Joel Amey, speaking from Melbourne during the Laneway Festival, expressed particular enthusiasm for the Perth venue. "If it's a functioning ice-cream factory, I could not be more excited for the show," Amey said, highlighting the unique nature of the performance location.
High Praise for Western Australia's Music Scene
Amey offered glowing praise for Western Australia's musical contributions, specifically mentioning influential acts from the region. "You have the best f...ing music on the west coast of Australia," he declared. "Like Pond and Tame Impala. For such an isolated part of quite an isolated country, you've dominated my music inspirations for a long, long time."
The drummer's admiration extends beyond just the music itself to the dedicated fanbase that has supported Wolf Alice during their Australian visits.
The Clearing: A New Chapter for Wolf Alice
The band's relentless touring schedule follows the release of their fourth studio album, The Clearing, which Amey describes as representing significant artistic evolution. "There are dominant, exciting feelings for this record," he explained.
"For me, even though we've done pieces of music that other people would argue are maybe more trippy, this is the most experimental thing we've ever done," Amey continued. "It's completely different to anything that has come before in its cohesiveness and in its choice of sonics. I just see it as the stepping stone to the next chapter for Wolf Alice."
He emphasized that this album represents the most substantial evolution the band has undergone since their formation in 2013, calling it "a new way of working" and "a new way for us as old friends to find a fresh way of doing something again."
Memorable Collaboration with Harry Styles
Wolf Alice reached a significant milestone in June 2022 when they opened for global pop superstar Harry Styles in Hamburg before approximately 50,000 fans. Amey recalled initial apprehension about performing for Styles' dedicated fanbase.
"I was like, 'God, what's this gonna be?'. He's, like, the biggest pop star in the world," Amey admitted. "(Harry's) fans are unreal. They're completely up for hearing new sounds, different sounds, and guitar bands."
The drummer was pleasantly surprised by the audience's reception. "At the time, we sounded even less like Harry Styles than we maybe do now. We were playing noisy guitar solos and riffs, and they were just amazing. They were so responsive and so kind."
Amey also praised Styles personally, noting "(Harry) as a person is so personable, so kind. You know, some people present this front-facing thing of kindness; well, he does it, and he implements it. And for me, I leave with huge respect for actually doing the things you say."
The connection between the artists continues, with Wolf Alice lead singer Ellie Rowsell contributing backing vocals to Styles' new album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. Rowsell told NME, "I was chuffed to be able to go to his studio and listen to some of his songs and put down some harmonies. It was a real pleasure."
Fan Reactions and Setlist Evolution
Amey has been particularly enjoying observing fan responses to the new album material during recent performances. The Clearing includes several softer, slower songs that initially concerned the drummer regarding their suitability for festival environments.
"I think as performers, you think everyone needs to hear the loudest, the most shatteringly loud thing, and that's the only way to get attention," Amey reflected. "I was like, 'We need more rock stuff'. And actually, no, I think I was wrong."
The band ultimately included the song Leaning Against The Wall in their setlist, and Amey was "so happy to witness the appreciation for that kind of songwriting."
He also noted the enduring popularity of their 2017 track Don't Delete The Kisses, describing it as "like an old friend that you meet up with in the pub you haven't seen for a while. Then you realise, 'I love this person'."
Gratitude for Continued Musical Journey
Reflecting on Wolf Alice's journey from teenage aspirations to international success, Amey expressed profound gratitude. "I feel really lucky that I'm still in this situation, I'm still travelling the world," he said. "(The band) used to laugh when we were teenagers, about being in a band together."
"Now, I'm speaking to you, you're from the other side of the world, and we're chatting about something we've made. I feel so f...ing humbled that I still get to do that," Amey concluded, emphasizing the surreal nature of their ongoing musical career.
Wolf Alice's December 8 performance at the Ice Cream Factory promises to showcase both their classic material and new directions from The Clearing, offering Perth fans a comprehensive experience of the band's evolving sound.
