Words by Carl Marsh
I’ve been a longtime fan of Wolf Alice, hooked since their debut record My Love Is Cool in 2015, but “Don’t Delete the Kisses” from 2017’s Visions of a Life remains my gold standard for their work. It’s a track that’s hard to top, and while their latest album release, The Clearing, may not have any songs that quite hit the same emotional peak, it delivers something entirely its own.
The album carries a distinct quirkiness in that it evokes those soft rock vibes of the 1970s. One track, “Passenger Seat,” particularly stands out for me. It blends introspective lyrics with a warm, nostalgic sound. It’s no surprise that some reviewers have drawn comparisons to Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours, and I can see why—the album has that same kind of lush, emotive texture, but I am not saying it is a carbon copy of Rumours!
The Clearing marks a bold departure from the indie roots we’ve come to expect from Wolf Alice. Was it a risk worth taking? … judging by the album’s number one spot on the UK charts, that’s a resounding ‘Yes!”
The band may have experimented with new sounds, but they have done so in keeping with the signature emotional depth that Wolf Alice fans are accustomed to. It’s polished yet raw, modern yet timeless. I wish more bands would take similar creative leaps, pushing boundaries like Wolf Alice has done here.
For me, The Clearing is a triumph of evolution, showcasing a band unafraid to grow while staying true to its core. It’s not just another indie rock record—it’s a statement. It’s an album as bold as it is beautiful, proving Wolf Alice remains a force to be reckoned with.
