Following the release of their compelling new album The Clearing, Wolf Alice stripped things back to deliver intimate renditions of two standout tracks, ‘Midnight Sun’ and ‘Play It Out’, in a new Spotify Live session.
The choice of these songs was certainly deliberate, as they are two of the most spacious and reflective moments on the record. The sparse instrumentation lends itself perfectly to a stripped-back performance; the sonic minimalism in the session highlights the penetrative lyrics in their fourth album, ones that explore this new sense of self-assurance.
The performance opens with ‘Play It Out’. A simple, melancholic piano motif sets the tone, and Ellie Rowsell’s raw vocals take center stage, allowing the introspective lyrics to land with immense force. Lyrically, the song explores themes of apathy towards the seemingly expected path laid out for women. With a strong tone of self-assertiveness, lines like “I will rock the cradle with a babeless hand” release the traditional expectations around motherhood, a central topic for all women entering their mid-thirties. “Go grey and feel delighted” reframes the fear of ageing as something to be excited about, with no obligations to fulfill external expectations, particularly thrust upon women. This unyielding call for her own autonomy and control over the trajectory of her life is beautifully juxtaposed by a string quartet, again showcasing the range and emotional depth that Wolf Alice have continuously shown throughout their career.
This mood carries seamlessly into ‘Midnight Song’, which continues this theme of powerful stillness; the string arrangement perfectly complements the song’s forward-looking lyrics. Thematically, it explores a passing of the torch, a reflection on this transitional period of their lives as a band, and the bittersweet acceptance of change and contemplation of life post-music. Rowsells’ vocals in this live performance certainly outshine those on the record; the range between the soft vocals on the verses and dynamic belting in the climax really highlight how talented a vocalist she is.
The Clearing has received a mixed reception from critics, with many fans left disappointed with their step back from their riot-grrrl-esque sound and visceral energy heard in their previous albums. But these live renditions showcase the brilliance of their lyricism, with the stripped-down production highlighting emotional vulnerability and driving home this theme with quiet resoluteness. This Spotify live session proves their shift in tone is not a loss in momentum, but rather allows more space for their lyrics to resonate. Further, this performance is certainly a testament to how talented Roswell’s vocal skills are, by delivering an even more intense and emotional rendition of these two tracks.
Words by Hollie Panrucker
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