Wolf Alice’s Latest Album, ‘The Clearing’, Showcases Their Most Confident and Mature Sound Yet
Wolf Alice’s latest album, “The Clearing,” represents a significant leap forward for the English band, showcasing a blend of their punk origins with expansive alt-rock textures, cinematic endings, and a newfound sense of lyrical intimacy. This highly anticipated release comes four years after their previous work and has already generated excitement in the music sphere, gathering the attention of industry heavyweights like Charli XCX and the Grammy Awards.
The band introduced “The Clearing” with the lead single “Bloom Baby Bloom,” a track that exudes self-assuredness and growth. While this song carries the familiar punk-rock energy associated with Wolf Alice, the rest of the album takes a different sonic direction. The group appears to have moved beyond their punk roots towards an alternative rock sound, evoking comparisons to 70s-inspired rock, though not entirely following that vein. Some tracks on the album bear resemblance to other alternative artists, such as Khruangbin’s guitar tones, Lana Del Rey’s hushed vocals, and Clairo’s piano melodies. Whether intentional or not, this evolution in sound adds depth to their music.
One standout track on the album is “Just Two Girls,” which expands on themes explored in their earlier hit, “Bros.” This song delves into the power of female friendship, underscored by a catchy pop-inflected instrumental. In discussing the inspiration behind the track, Ellie Rowsell mentioned heartening conversations with her friends, where validation and learning were key aspects. The album’s outros are another distinctive feature, adding unexpected twists to each song. In the track “Bread Butter Tea Sugar,” Rowsell whispers about coming into a clearing, hinting at the album’s title in a subtle yet clever way.
A friend’s assertion that “Leaning Against the Wall” should have closed the album instead of “The Sofa” due to its encapsulation of love as our “greatest performance” speaks to the thematic richness of the album. “The Sofa” shares sonic similarities with other contemplative tracks in the band’s repertoire, inviting listeners to dance, cry, or headbang alone in their room. Wolf Alice strikes a balance between hardcore and alternative, delivering introspective themes that resonate effortlessly with their audience.
While some may debate whether “The Clearing” ranks as Wolf Alice’s masterpiece, there is no denying that this album solidifies their position in the music landscape. It stands as a bold statement of growth and reinvention for the band, showcasing their maturity and artistic evolution. As fans eagerly embrace this new chapter in Wolf Alice’s journey, “The Clearing” promises a musical experience that is both familiar and refreshingly different, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.