After a lackluster performance during weekend one of Austin City Limits Music Festival, Canadian singer-songwriter Finn Wolfhard rocked out with Tommy Stinson of the Replacements, giving the audience comedic relief during his steamy 40-minute set, which ended five minutes early, on the American Express Stage on Saturday.
Competing with crowds desperate to see the Texas vs. OU game, Wolfhard summoned a decent crowd bleeding past the second barricade. Before his set, fans waved signs reading “It’s Nice 2 Meet U Again Finn” and “Love from Vancouver,” supporting the double-sided actor and musician.
Walking out in a shirt with “MUSICIAN” on the front, the singer burst into “I’ll Let You Finish,” a recent, upbeat release. Grasping a cherry-red guitar, Wolfhard delivered his lines with energy, drawing the audience into a dance frenzy. Wolfhard’s guitar playing, combined with his band’s exciting spirit, made for a fun set overall.
“It’s cold as shit out,” Wolfhard joked after the first song during his mid-afternoon set, the temperature near 90 degrees. The performer’s witty, sarcastic remarks broke the tension of the sweaty, claustrophobic crowd, leading into the second track off his latest release “Common Side Effects.”
“I’m from Canada, so it doesn’t ever get this hot ever,” Wolfhard said. “You’re possessing us.”
The heat played a central part in most of Wolfhard’s quips between each song. Despite being extremely warm outside, the crowd pranced and cheered as if it was a nice, cool day. The lively indie-rock band distracted audience members from the searing sun directly above them.
Midway through his set, Wolfhard brought out bassist Stinson for two songs. “He’s a good buddy,” Wolfhard said before the crowd erupted as Stinson strutted onto the stage. Performing “Maggie” and a cover of The Who’s “The Kids Are Alright,” Wolfhard sang while Stinson played bass, the two acting like the perfect duo and keeping the audience alive during the sunny midday gig.
While the set kept high energy, there was not much else. It’s understandable that a hot day can wear anyone out; however, Wolfhard stood in front of a “FW” background, swaying to the beat and screaming-singing his lyrics. Beyond his guitar playing, Wolfhard’s indie-rock flair, and smart remarks, there were no musically exciting moments, despite how entertaining his strumming was.
From last weekend, Wolfhard definitely changed his ACL reputation. While it wasn’t the most impressive set, for someone just a year into his solo career after a remarkable performance in Stranger Things last year, Wolfhard introduced another side of himself: the musician.
