Tigers Jaw review
Written and photographed By Maron Rieman
Tour Flyer from Tigers Jaw’s instagram
On the night of June 18, 2026 Tigers Jaw played a show at an iconic downtown venue in Des Moines, Iowa. Wooly’s is an intimate, 680 capacity venue located in the Historic Eastern Village. Tigers Jaw made their return to Wooly’s after not playing at that venue in twelve years, said Ben Walsh, the lead singer. This was the third to last tour date on the second leg of their US tour. Twenty one songs made up the setlist for this run spanning over almost two decades of work.
During the set change right before Tigers Jaw were to perform, two excited fans got the attention of Walsh, who was setting up his microphone. He handed one lucky fan his guitar pick. Her face lit up with the most pure joy and she embraced the person next to her. The band started off their set with “It’s ok” from their 2026 album, Lost on You. The 1:42 song explores lingering pain, failed plans, and the anxiety of passing time. Brianna Collins, keyboard and vocals, led the audience right into “Primary Colors”. Collins' vocals are mesmerizing and blend with Walsh’s perfectly.
It took the crowd a bit of time to warm up but as soon as that first note hit in “The Sun” not a single foot was on the floor. Crowd surfers, stage divers, and moshers took over the room. This high energy only kept increasing as the band made their way through their set. During the song, “Never Saw it Coming” fans opened the pit, however, it was not your typical pit. Everyone placed their arms on each other's shoulders and kicked one leg and then the other while spinning in a circle. Witnessing strangers come together and let go is truly what this community is about.
Crowd members yell at the band asking them to play “Spirit Desire”. A much loved song across the fanbase that does not typically get played at shows. Walsh tells the crowd that the next song is, “ We are Great, There is Only One (Tigers Jaw)”. A deep cut within their discography, which is off of the Spirit Desire- EP that was released in 2009.. Despite not quite being the song that was asked for, the crowd still sang like their lives depended on it. Walsh jumps around the stage while Collins does backing vocals.
Tigers Jaw ended their set with a fan favorite, “I Saw Water”. Stage diving and crowd surfing intensified. The audience knew this was their last chance. Not a single voice in the establishment was silent. Everyone sang the lyrics in unison. Despite it being the third to last date on the tour the band put on an exceptional performance. Their stage presence was incredible. No matter where you stood, whether it was the front or the back, the sound was phenomenal. This wasn’t just your average show, it was an experience for everyone who attended. Tigers Jaw truly just keeps getting better over time.
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Stream their new album Lost on You
Head is like a Sinking Stone
The Sun
Nervous Kids
Between Your Band and the Other Band
Anxious Blade
Baptized on a Redwood Drive
Hum
June
Never Saw it Coming
BREEZER
Ghost
New Detroit
Staring at Empty Faces
Light Leaks Through
We are Great, There is Only One (Tigers Jaw)
Plane vs. Tank vs. Submarine
Chemicals
Lost on You
I Saw Water