Maturity inspires Wolf Alice to achieve greatness
olf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell entered the latest record with a keen awareness of two crucial factors. Firstly, the band had achieved a level of maturity that most indie bands fail to reach. Secondly, Rowsell was no longer content with concealing her rockstar persona behind a guitar.
The band has achieved remarkable success that many bands of their generation can only dream of. They have garnered numerous awards, secured multiple endorsements, and shared the billing with some of the most prominent names in today’s festival circuit. However, despite these achievements, Wolf Alice found themselves lagging in certain aspects due to their recent phase of growth and maturation.
For Rowsell, this realization dawned on her as she came to terms with the fact that she was no longer the 19-year-old she once was. When Wolf Alice initially burst onto the music scene, they were often associated with bands that failed to progress in the same manner. Acts like Circa Waves, Alt-J, and Catfish and the Bottlemen made strides but not to the extent Wolf Alice did. The band’s ability to weather difficulties and face challenges head-on has been pivotal in their journey to success.
Rowsell’s evolution also involved grappling with her identity as a woman fronting an indie band. Initially, she used her guitar as a shield, a distraction that diverted attention away from her as the face of the band. However, as she matured, she shed this shield and embraced her inner rockstar, leaning into her role as the band’s lead vocalist.
The transformation from their earlier works to the latest album, ‘Bloom Baby Bloom,’ is indicative of Rowesell’s growth. The song itself reflects the idea of blossoming into one’s authentic self, with Rowsell drawing inspiration from prominent rock figures like Axl Rose to elevate her performance. In her own words, she expressed how liberating it was to step out from behind the guitar and focus on her voice as a rock instrument without the need to prove her musical prowess constantly.
The band’s album title, ‘The Clearing,’ resonates with this theme of transition and introspection. It represents a space where Rowsell can explore her vulnerabilities openly, creating art that is authentic and raw. Even as Joel Amey takes the lead on tracks like ‘White Horses,’ he infuses his personal experiences to drive the band’s narrative forward, steering Wolf Alice towards uncharted territories with a sense of uncertainty that ultimately enriches their music.
In essence, Wolf Alice’s journey through age and time has not only propelled them to new heights but also solidified their presence in the music industry. Embracing maturity, navigating challenges, and staying true to their artistic vision have been pivotal in shaping their trajectory and setting them apart from other indie bands. Through their music, Wolf Alice continues to defy expectations, reinventing themselves with each release and cementing their status as one of the most compelling acts in the contemporary music landscape.