WILDERADO
Wilderado, The Windjammer, Charleston, SC 7/26/25.
Wilderado returned to The Windjammer for two sold-out nights of harmony-rich, midwestern-soaked, indie folk. Under a warm coastal breeze and glowing moonlight, the Tulsa band delivered a thoughtfully crafted set that balanced energetic anthems with reflective moments of quiet.
Opening with an amped up version of “Stranger,” from their 2021 self-titled album, frontman Max Rainer set the tone with a vocal performance marked by subtle control, emotional depth, and midwestern drawl. The band’s chemistry was evident early on, especially between Rainer and guitarist Tyler Wimpee, whose shimmering lead lines and harmonies threaded through the set with natural ease. Drummer Justin Kila and bassist Aaron Boehler locked in throughout the set, providing a rhythmic foundation that was both tight and instinctive. Their interplay gave the band’s slower songs weight and their uptempo moments explosive energy.
The setlist included fan favorites like “Astronaut,” “Wheat,” “Sometimes,” and “Morning Light,” along with deeper cuts like “ Favors” and “The Ocean and the Sea.” Tracks from their 2024 LP Talker were delivered with heartfelt performances that engaged the crowd and kept the sea of bodies moving. “Talker,” a personal favorite of mine, stood out with its stripped-back arrangement, which to me amplified its lyrical insight.
“Surefire” proved the night’s most electric moment, with the crowd taking over the final chorus as Rainer stepped back from the mic and engaged the crowd from the edge of the stage. The band closed out the night with a single-song encore, “Rubble to Rubble” performed acoustically with every band member huddled around one mic. It was a quiet ending to an incredible live performance. Wilderado came back to The Windjammer for two sold-out nights with intensity and succeeded in making night two an electrifying and heartfelt reminder of why live music resonates.
Spotify setlist playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7gzmCLlh53hHZnVXGvRcfI?si=6cffac6c7b5a4e20
Shot and Written by Clif Rhodes
