REVIEW: Wolf Alice - The Clearing

The Brit and Mercury award-winning band Wolf Alice have returned with their fourth album The Clearing, the first release after signing with the major label Columbia. Written in North London and recorded in LA with producer Greg Kurstin, this album embodies a collection of songs full of emotion, wide-ranging vocals and dazzling instrumentals, clearly inspired by classic rock and pop from the ‘70s.

‘Bloom Baby Bloom’, the lead single, captures the essence of the album in terms of sound and draws the listener in with honest lyrics about personal evolution, brought to life by frontwoman Ellie Rowsell’s impressive vocals, which blend perfectly with the electrifying instrumental. Following the nostalgic vibe instilled by the opener ‘Thorns’, it feels like an energetic boost. The song is well-thought-out with every section brimming with emotion, from the guitar solo to the drums and lively piano; it’s an anthem for navigating the chaos of life while becoming the truest version of yourself in the process - “But I’ll bloom, baby, bloom / Watch me and you’ll see just what I’m worth”.

One thing that can be expected from the listening experience of this album is a deeply cinematic atmosphere, with ‘Passenger Seat’ being one of the tracks contributing the most to this. Little details, like the sound of a car engine in the beginning and the static of the radio, paint a really clear road trip visual in the head of the listener, while the story unfolds through the lyrics, abetted by crunchy guitars. 'Play It Out' follows right after with its ballad-style piano, being one of the more tender and intimate tracks on the record. It finds Rowsell contemplating the future, touching on the spectre of motherhood, family and making peace with what might come through such lyrics as “When my body can no longer make a mother of me / Will I change my notion of time”, or the line “In sickness and good health / I promise to love and cherish myself”.

The album closes with the other two singles. 'White Horses' brings drummer Joel Amey's vocals to the fore for a soul-baring moment when he reflects on his family's history and the desire to belong, accompanied by a spellbinding guitar riff. 'The Sofa' is somewhat soothing, feeling like the end of a movie where the main takeaway is that sometimes dreams don't come true and that is alright. In the words of Ellie Rowsell, "It's about not trying so hard to figure everything out, reflecting on getting older and trying not to agonize over things that have or haven't happened in your life". The bass line of the song is comforting, creating the perfect ambience to float along to and just exist for a while.

Reflecting on themes such as the ageing process which comes with embracing change and the uncertainty of life, The Clearing is a timeless record. With soaring vocals, funky guitar riffs and melodic piano parts, Wolf Alice have managed to create a cinematic listen wrapped up in an album, taking the listener on an expansive auditory journey of pondering on life moments. The Clearing keeps the essence of the band alive, while also highlighting fresh ideas and an acquired sense of maturity.

Score: 8/10

The Clearing was released on August 22nd 2025 via Columbia Records.

Words: Iulia Furnica

Photos: Wolf Alice