Wolf Alice – The Clearing Review: Embracing Peace in a Confident New Chapter

This Wolf Alice album review explores the clear, confident vibes of The Clearing, marking the band's growth and peace after years of musical evolution.

Finding Calm After the Storm

There’s something profoundly relatable about entering your thirties with a newfound calmness after the chaotic rollercoaster of your twenties. It’s like finally stepping off a high-speed carousel and catching your breath — the wild ride of figuring out who you are begins to settle into a steady, reflective hum. Wolf Alice’s fourth album, The Clearing, perfectly captures that feeling of peace and clarity after the storm of youth.

The band has spent over a decade evolving, experimenting, and distilling their sound, and this album feels like the reward for all that musical soul-searching. It’s a confident, assured statement that builds on the foundation laid in their previous works, offering a mature, nuanced collection of songs that resonate deeply.

A Shift Toward “More Song-y Songs”

Following the acclaim for Blue Weekend’s standout tracks “Delicious Things” and “The Last Man On Earth,” Wolf Alice felt emboldened to lean into a softer, more melodic approach. Guitarist Joff Oddie described this direction as embracing “more song-y songs,” which translates here into rich layers and slower tempos without sacrificing emotional punch.

Gone are the raucous, adrenaline-fueled highs reminiscent of “Smile” or “Play The Greatest Hits.” Instead, The Clearing offers subtler, more textured compositions that draw you in with their songwriting prowess. These tracks might not hit like a freight train, but they linger in your mind long after the music fades.

Check out the official video for "The Clearing" here:

Opening with Introspection: ‘Thorns’

The album’s opening track, “Thorns,” feels like a spiritual cousin to “The Last Man On Earth.” Both songs share that signature piano-driven lead, but while the earlier track casts a wider eye on societal narcissism, “Thorns” zooms inward. Ellie Rowsell, the band’s compelling frontwoman, turns the microscope on herself with razor-sharp honesty:

“Did it help to take the thorn out / Telling the whole world you’d been hurt,”

The rawness here is a brave self-examination — acknowledging vulnerability while questioning the price of airing personal wounds publicly.

Echoes and Evolutions in Sound

Wolf Alice aren’t about rehashing old ideas. Instead, they stay true to their sonic DNA while allowing it to evolve naturally. This balance is evident on “Passenger Seat,” which carries a shuffling Americana vibe reminiscent of early tracks like “Leaving You.”

Meanwhile, “Midnight Song” blossoms from the folkier roots established on their second album, Visions Of A Life. It’s prettier, grander, and more contemplative, proving the band’s ability to honor their past without being stuck in it.

Ellie Rowsell’s Lyricism Shines Brightly

One of Wolf Alice’s superpowers has always been Rowsell’s incisive, heartfelt songwriting about life and love in all its messy glory. On The Clearing, she’s at the top of her game, capturing the warmth of female friendship on “Just Two Girls” with an infectious Cali-pop glow:

“I said you’re so right and you’re so wise”

She also tackles heavier themes, like grappling with the biological clock and societal pressure on aging women in “Play It Out,” blending personal insight with universal resonance.

Watch the video for “The Sofa,” another highlight that showcases the band’s depth:

Love, Slow and Sweet: ‘Leaning Against The Wall’

If you’re craving a love song that’s both dreamy and deeply evocative, “Leaning Against The Wall” is your jam. It’s not as dizzyingly romantic as “Don’t Delete The Kisses,” but it’s no less powerful. Rowsell’s breathy vocals and Joff Oddie’s finger-picked guitar meld seamlessly with shimmering synths, creating a sonic cocoon that’s impossible not to fall into.

“You put my world in slo-mo... You put my name up in lights.”

The gentle intimacy here makes you ache for that kind of love — the kind that slows time and lights up your world.

A Shared Spotlight: Joel Amey’s Lead Vocals on ‘White Horses’

Wolf Alice’s drummer Joel Amey steps up for lead vocals on “White Horses,” marking his first time in that role since My Love Is Cool’s “Swallowtail.” The track is a tender exploration of heritage, family, and identity, wrapped in psych-folk textures.

Amey and Rowsell join forces on the chorus with a mantra that hits home for anyone searching for self-understanding:

“Know who I am, that’s important to me.”

This collaborative spirit adds another layer of depth to the album, highlighting the band’s dynamic versatility.

The Clearing: A Record of Acceptance and Growth

The Clearing feels like an album written with the wisdom that only time can bring. It doesn’t shy away from imperfections; instead, it embraces them, celebrating the salt in life as much as the sugar.

Take “Bread Butter Tea Sugar,” which pairs a catchy melody with lyrics that savor life’s bittersweet realities:

“Don’t want a dish without salt / Bread without butter / If it’s bad for me, good, I feel bad suits me better.”

This mature, honest perspective permeates the entire record, making it not just a collection of songs, but a testament to personal growth and the beauty of imperfection.

Album Details

• Record label: Columbia Records
• Release date: August 22, 2025

Wrapping It Up: Wolf Alice’s Poised New Chapter

The Clearing is a milestone for Wolf Alice — a journey from youthful chaos to mature clarity, with all the beautiful messiness intact. It’s an album that invites listeners to find peace amid life’s ongoing swirl and to appreciate the strength that comes from truly knowing yourself. As you press play, it feels like sitting down with old friends who’ve grown up but never lost their spark.

How does The Clearing resonate with your own journey? What’s your favorite track from this thoughtful new chapter?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What musical style does Wolf Alice explore on The Clearing?
  They lean into more layered, slower-tempo, and melodic songs compared to their earlier harder rock sounds, blending folk, psych, and indie rock.
• Who takes lead vocals on the song “White Horses”?
  Drummer Joel Amey sings lead on “White Horses,” bringing a fresh voice to the album alongside Ellie Rowsell.
• How does The Clearing compare to Wolf Alice’s previous albums?
  It shows a new level of maturity and introspection, evolving their sound while honoring their musical roots.
• What themes does Ellie Rowsell explore in her lyrics?
  She touches on self-reflection, female friendship, love, aging, identity, and acceptance.
• When was The Clearing released?
  The album dropped on August 22, 2025, under Columbia Records.

If you’re inspired by The Clearing’s artistic vibe, why not bring a slice of that musical magic into your space? Shop your favorite Wolf Alice album cover poster at our store and celebrate the soundtracks of your life. Explore the collection here.