Remi Wolf, Dana and Alden
April 21, 2025
History, Toronto, ON
Alternative pop singer/songwriter Remi Wolf has been making waves since her debut album Juno. Combining elements of pop, R&B, indie, and rock, Remi Wolf has crafted a unique sound that oozes with fun and attitude. The release of her 2024 album Big Ideas has skyrocketed her career and taken her music to new heights. In 2025, Remi Wolf embarked on a North American tour to promote Big Ideas, and on April 21st, 2025, this tour made a stop at History in Toronto. The opening band for this tour is the R&B/jazz group Dana and Alden.
Dana and Alden were excellent openers for this tour. Their music dances between a couple of different genres but usually draws from jazz and R&B. Many of the tunes they played were instrumental, but all the members shared vocal duties when the song called for it. The arrangements during the jazzier songs were dense, yet they had this simplicity that made these songs feel catchy and danceable. Even during the jazziest moments of Dana and Alden, their music never devolves into improvised solos or jam sessions. The brevity of the songs (considering the genre) made for a setlist that felt exciting and entertaining all the way through. Admittedly, I was surprised to see such an act open for a pop singer, but considering the jazz and R&B influence in Remi Wolf’s music, the vibe was set from the get-go. I thoroughly enjoyed Dana and Alden and would happily see them again.
Simply put, Remi Wolf was awesome. I am a huge fan, and she played all the hits in rare form. Her live show is accompanied by a seriously wicked band. It became immediately apparent that the caliber of musicians within the group is top-notch. The songs tended to morph into their own thing in the live setting, particularly her hit song ‘Sexy Villain’, which was played in a Latin/bossa nova style that contrasts with the more R&B studio version. During the performance, Remi Wolf said that she intends to play these songs as they are meant to be played in the live show. As a fan, it was incredible to hear the subtleties come to life while demonstrating how strong of a songwriter she is. At one point, she asked the crowd to give her words for an impromptu song title, then the band proceeded to improvise a song. The title of this unique song, only heard in Toronto, was ‘Helicopter Monkey Sunset’, which is the riveting tale of… well, who knows? All I know is that it was a bop. The stage presence of the musicians was so entertaining. Needless to say, Remi Wolf was the star of her own show and has an eccentric stage presence that is mesmerizing. I was hooked right from the get-go.
I highly recommend everyone check out a Remi Wolf show. You won’t regret it. The setlist is filled with nothing but bangers and sing-alongs. Even the most stuck-up music nerd wouldn’t be able to resist bopping along to these upbeat jams. The songs are filled with hooks and anthems that appeal to a wide demographic while being rich in content. Remi Wolf is an act that the alternative pop scene needs to keep their eye on. I think this is just the beginning of a great artist’s career.
