Over the last few years, Wolf Alice has made their mark in the music industry. Their fourth album, The Clearing, released on the 22nd of August, only solidified their sound as one of the greatest alternative rock bands of this decade. After the release of Blue Weekend in 2021 and a switch from label Dirty Hit to Columbia Records, they are back stronger than ever. The Clearing proves that the band keeps surprising and experimenting with their sound. A new body of work has arrived, inspired by ’70s rock, and full of powerful vocals and musical versatility.
The album starts off with ‘Thorns’, instantly immersing you in the world of Wolf Alice. Ellie Rowsell’s vocals sound subdued yet powerful, their deliberateness standing in contrast to Bloom Baby Bloom, where she lets loose and delivers the album’s most powerful belt, switching easily from intimate, flower-laden metaphors to full-on screams. It’s no wonder this song was chosen as the first single of the release. Musically, it is equally surprising, from a present piano in the foreground to drums and guitars taking command in the chorus.
‘Just Two Girls’ follows as a fun song, very upbeat and fully encompassing the meaning of girlhood. Perhaps ‘Leaning Against The Wall’ provides the most beautiful vocals on the album, feeling very personal, like Ellie is talking to you. ‘Passenger Seat’ feels more romantic due to its love story centred around a passenger seat, and a musical arrangement that feels sweet with added strings and acoustic guitar. Staying strong with thoughtfulness, ‘Play It Out’ is a seemingly intimate song with Ellie keeping it small before the song builds up to an ethereal ending, fitting with some of the lyrics, “when life brings me elsewhere.”
The songs turn more upbeat with ‘Bread Butter Tea Sugar’, the band showing its musical range and providing a full spectacle, including strings and a guitar solo from Joel Amey. ‘Safe in the World’ feels like a comfort blanket and a classic Wolf Alice song, aided by backing vocals from the other band members. ‘Midnight song’ is where the strings on the album get their deserved moment. This song just aches to be heard live with an orchestra.
The Clearing closes with ‘White Horses’ and ‘The Sofa’. ‘White Horses’ opens with a lead vocal from member Joel, setting the tone for a song inspired by the other songs on the album, and therefore, full of surprises. The album ending with ‘The Sofa’ feels right, flowing well through strong lyrics and melodies that will remain stuck in your head. It ticks every box and delivers a stunning and relatable final song, leaving you wanting to play it again and again.
Overall, Wolf Alice has delivered yet another great piece of music. This album marks a new, bold, intentional era, and it is clear that the band is only getting more powerful. If you are looking for a new album to take over your life, this is the one.
Written by: Tessa Kaldenbach
Edited by: Shanna Henselmans
