It’s nearly impossible to think of an album this year that has been as talked about as The Clearing. Since Wolf Alice announced the new record back in May, the anticipation has been high to see what the North London quartet can create. So far, they have not disappointed; the band has emerged with an experimental and confident masterpiece that showcases all of Ellie Roswell, Joel Amey, Theo Ellis and Joff Oddie’s greatest talents.
From the opening piano track in ‘Thorns’, there is an ethereal, string sound that Wolf Alice fans are so familiar with from previous records, Visions of a Life and Blue Weekend, before the break into Ellie Roswell’s stunning vocals highlights the tone the album carries throughout. A ballad-style opener sets a precedent for The Clearing here, with a dreamlike and cinematic production incorporating psychedelic mixing to showcase the band’s creativity and talent.
There is a slight change of tone that follows with the anthemic ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’. Wolf Alice’s rock sound is evident in this electrifying first single, showing all their confidence and maturity as a band. Ellie Rowsell’s voice even takes on a grittier sound, while still maintaining the emotional beauty of her vocal performances. The all-so-familiar addictive sound can be seen throughout, and it’s already so obvious this will remain a fan favourite continuously into The Clearing era.
Glorious indie sounds follow into the next tracks; ‘Just Two Girls’ features a 70s-influenced instrumental which gives an elegant and imagery-filled level to the track, whilst providing pure fun and enjoyment in the sound, reminiscent of a feel-good television episode.
This is followed by almost a country-style quality in ‘Leaning Against The Wall’ – once again portraying Ellie’s range of vocal talent over a beautiful blend of acoustic guitar, which builds to dive into full instrumentation and harmonies. All of these sounds ultimately contribute to this artistic, graphic sound that completely defines the album throughout the first half.
There is a beautiful and soulful feel to the centre of the album with the Fleetwood Mac-esque track, ‘Passenger Seat’, followed by the emotive and graceful ‘Play It Out’, which presents some of Ellie Roswell’s most personal lyrics about experiences as a woman. “When my body can no longer make a mother of me” and “I wanna age with excitement / feel my world expand” resonate deeply with female listeners over a melodic piano track. Both songs here ultimately demonstrate the versatile talent the band has, both as musicians and songwriters.
As the album steams towards its close, the style does not falter. With the beautiful, alternative love song ‘Safe In The World’ presenting another sensitive side to the outfit, whilst still maintaining that dreamy, cinematic style: “I didn’t feel good at all / but you came to cushion my heartache, and I can love once more”. The heartfelt track effortlessly blends into ‘Midnight Song’, which boasts heavenly vocals and celestial production. There is a feel of spirituality throughout this track, as the vocalisation and instrumentation combine to create an experimental style, which flows perfectly into the psychedelic ‘White Horses’ with Joel Amey taking over from Rowsell on vocals.
The album concludes with a true demonstration of the band’s talent in the final track, ‘The Sofa’. The second single from the album has to be highlighted as a raw presentation of the band’s incredible talent. There is a tender style that complements the entire record so well, through the blend of piano, violin, and Rowsell’s cinematic vocals. A true masterpiece is created here, and it is by far the standout as the chorus rings in your ears days later.
After a string of successful singles, there were huge expectations for The Clearing, and every one of these has been met. Wolf Alice have once again proven they are amongst the best in our generation by producing a creative, confident triumphant record full of celestial sounds and dreamlike imagery.
Wolf Alice will be touring the UK in November and December 2025 – find out more via their website here.
Words by Evie Johnson
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