Wolf Alice Step Into the Light with The Clearing

Photo by Harriet Bols

With The Clearing, Wolf Alice have once again proven themselves to be one of the most important bands in modern rock. The album feels both like a natural evolution and a bold reinvention, pushing their sound into new, expansive directions while still keeping the raw emotional intensity that has always defined their music.

From the very first track, it’s clear that the band is writing with incredible confidence. The production is lush and atmospheric, yet every guitar line and vocal melody feels purposeful and alive. Ellie Roswell’s vocals shift seamlessly between vulnerability and power, giving each song a unique emotional weight. The band explores moments of quiet introspection and cinematic grandeur, often within the same track, which makes The Clearing feel like a journey rather than just a collection of songs. 

Lyrically, the album is rich with imagery, blending personal reflection with broader, almost mythic themes. It invites listeners to sit with uncertainty, transformation, and the beauty that can be found in chaos; ideas that feel especially resonant today. What stands out most, though, is how Wolf Alice continues to defy easy categorization. The Clearing is at times folk-inflicted and at others pure rock fury, and yet it all hangs together effortlessly. It’s a testament to a band that has grown more adventurous with each release while never losing its core identity. 

In short, The Clearing isn’t just another great Wolf Alice record; it feels like a defining statement in their career. It’s ambitious, heartfelt, and utterly captivating.