Concert Review: Remi Wolf Brings "Big Ideas" and Pure Joy to BayCare Sound

With the sun starting to set and a refreshing breeze sweeping across Clearwater Harbor, I can't think of a better way to start off the month of May then here at BayCare Sound with the immensely talented Remi Wolf. 

Remi has been working her way across the US and beyond, celebrating her sophomore album "Big Ideas", (released in July of 2024). Known for her eclectic style and killer vocals, she has been making quite a name for herself since the release of her first EP "You're a Dog" in 2019. Remi's musical journey began at about eight when she started to sing, but it wasn't until she was fifteen that she realized it was truly a gift and began to write and jam out with bands. Interestingly, in the midst of this journey she was also a highly successful competitive skier until around seventeen years old. Signed to Island records Remi wrote and released "Juno" her debut album during the pandemic in 2021.  With "Big Ideas", the creative process took Remi to some epic recording studios like Conway and Diamond Mine in LA, and Electric Lady in NYC. Spending time in these studios reignited her love of live instrumentals, while delving into lyrics centered around growth, reflection, and raw emotions. And tonight, excitement is in the air, as the crowd knows from Remi's incredible and eclectic catalog that we are in for a treat.

With a mic stand front and center along with an assortment of instruments resting on the stage, the night begins with the talented brother act, Dana and Alden. Creating music that blends jazz and indie influences, they move through a set that treats the audience to a mix of vocals and cool instrumentals. Each brother brings a unique set of skills to the stage showcasing their talents on their respective instruments: Alden on drums, creating a cool rhythmic foundation, while Dana captivates on his tenor saxophone. Supported on stage by their bandmates: Salim on keys, alto sax, and flute, Andrew on bass; Eli on guitar; and Ebba on keys and vocals.  Together they create a groovy jazz vibe. Be sure to keep an eye out for Dana and Alden as they will soon drop their newest single "Don't Run Away" followed by the release of their debut album "Speedo".

As the sun dips beneath the horizon, cheers permeate BayCare Sound as a message from Remi echoes into the crowd as she welcomes everyone to her show. The silhouettes of her band members are carved out by a wall of shining orange lights as they take their spot on an elevated stage. They begin to rock out as Remi appears center stage. With a big grin, looking out into a sea of smiling faces, she begins the first lyrics from her hit song "Cherries & Cream".  Dressed in a green t-shirt, with "Seal Beach 45 " in yellow letters, and paired with a transparent white skirt, maroon wind pants and silver kicks, Remi flows into "Cinderella" and "Pitiful" as she moves, dances, and high kicks across the stage. 

Following the electrifying opening tracks Remi takes to the mic and screams to the crowd "What the F*** is up Clearwater!"  With a playful and knowing look on her face, she humorously acknowledges the Florida weather: "It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s sticky, and I’m ready to f***ing go."  She takes time to speak to everyone about how tonight's a mutual exchange of positive energy, and that she wants everyone to be in the moment, put all the bad stuff aside, and be themselves in this safe space. Like a coach prepping a team for a big game she playfully runs the crowd through a set of dynamic stretches and vocal warmups to get them ready. Leading the crowd through the infamous Cynthia Erivo riff from Wicked, BayCare Sound is filled with laughter as most can't hit the note, while Wolf's powerful voice shines through, giving us a glimpse of her true vocal talent. 

Influenced by funk, soul, pop, and rock tones Remi masterfully flows through a captivating setlist of familiar favorites and newer material. Tracks include "Alone in Miami", "Micheal", "Liz" and "Toro" to name a few. The crowd doesn't miss a beat or lyric. A notable highlight is Remi's rendition of Fleetwood Mac's timeless hit "Dreams", giving a refreshing take on the classic. But the true backbone of this unforgettable night lies with the very talented five-member band Remi has accompanying her on stage. Matt and Issac electrify on guitar, while Maddie delivers a solid baseline on her Fender Bass. Anna adds layers on the keys, while Connor anchors it all on the drums. It was genuinely cool to witness the connection and pure joy they all had with each other, made evident by the clear smiles on their faces and the way they took part in the fun all night long.

Just when you thought the crowd couldn't dance anymore (myself included), Remi closed out the night with her smash hits "Soup" and "Photo ID" before taking a well-deserved bow with her band. To say Remi delivered on all her hopes for what she wanted on a very special night in Clearwater would be an understatement. She transcended expectations with a masterful performance and infused BayCare Sound with undeniable positivity to make the bad stuff fade away. The best way to describe the night would be from the words written on the tote bags scattered among the crowd: “I went to a Remi Wolf concert and it changed my life a little bit”