Review
With The Clearing, Wolf Alice step into a new era of refinement and clarity, swapping the snarling distortion and hazy dreamscapes of their earlier work for something more panoramic and emotionally grounded. Produced by Greg Kurstin, the album feels cinematic in scope — filled with shimmering guitars, lush vocal layers, and an undercurrent of restless introspection. Ellie Rowsell’s songwriting remains razor-sharp, weaving vivid imagery through songs that balance grandeur with vulnerability.
Tracks like “Thorns” and “Bloom Baby Bloom” pulse with melodic confidence, marrying heart-on-sleeve emotion to propulsive grooves, while “White Horses” and “Bread Butter Tea Sugar” push into bold, unexpected territory — moments where the band’s classic rock polish meets their artier instincts. Kurstin’s production brings everything into crisp focus without sanding off the band’s edge, allowing Rowsell’s voice to glide between tenderness and ferocity.
If Blue Weekend was the band’s emotional reckoning, The Clearing feels like their exhale — a clearing of creative space and personal ghosts alike. It’s the sound of a group comfortable in its evolution, crafting songs that shimmer with both beauty and bite. - Lena
Artist Bio
Wolf Alice is an alternative rock band from London who started releasing music in 2012, known for mixing grunge, dream pop, and folk influences into their sound. Fronted by Ellie Rowsell, the group has released acclaimed albums like My Love Is Cool and the Mercury Prize-winning Visions of a Life. They’ve built a reputation for dynamic live shows and shapeshifting between gentle, atmospheric tracks and heavier rock anthems. Wolf Alice has drawn comparisons to bands like Garbage, The xx, and PJ Harvey, and they’ve collaborated with acts like The Last Shadow Puppets. Their music stands out for its versatility and emotional range.
