After a long break, Wolf Alice has returned with a powerful new single that feels like the perfect way to start their next chapter. ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ is their first release since they joined Columbia Records in early 2024. It sets the tone for their fourth album, The Clearing, produced by Greg Kurstin and out on 29 August.
Every new chapter in the band’s journey has felt like a step up since their debut album, My Love Is Cool. The four members are still the same at their core, but return each time with fresh ideas, more confidence, and bigger ambitions.
The song starts with a joyful, bouncy piano and the sound of clapping, giving the impression that it will be light and cheerful. But things change quickly when Ellie Rowsell’s strong vocals come in. Rowsell explains that she wanted to write a rock song focused on performance, inspired by the likes of Axl Rose, but with lyrics about being a woman. She also shared that putting down the guitar felt freeing, allowing her to focus on her voice and break away from the ‘girl singer in a band’ stereotype.
That sense of freedom comes through clearly in the song. In the pre-chorus, Rowsell sings with anger and frustration: “Look at me trying to play it hard / I’m so sick and tired of playing it hard.” Then, the chorus brings a sense of relief, with the production growing louder before settling into a calmer groove as she sings, “But I’ll bloom, baby, bloom / Watch me, yeah, you’ll see just what I’m worth.”
While Wolf Alice is known for their high-energy rock songs, ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ takes a different direction. It’s inspired by warm, vintage sounds from the 1970s – full of rich, autumn colours. The track includes many musical details: a guitar solo from Joff Oddie, a short drum burst from Joel Amey, and a standout bassline by Theo Ellis that cuts through the pre-chorus.
‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ is not only a strong comeback – it’s a fresh and exciting step forward for Wolf Alice. If this is a sign of what’s to come, The Clearing is sure to be something special.
Written by: Ilse Muis
Edited by: Shanna Henselmans
