MusicFreaks

Tag: The Clearing

  • Wolf Alice live in London: Britain’s finest come home in style

    Some concerts transcend mere music; they become touchstones of memory, charged with history and personal meaning. That is precisely what Wolf Alice delivered to Finsbury Park on July 5th. This wasn’t just their biggest headline gig yet, following years of relentless touring, but it was a deeply significant moment that felt woven into the very fabric of the community.

    The connection between the band and the location added an extra layer of magic. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell and bassist Theo Ellis grew up not far from North London, and the space where Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie first formed the group was just a stone’s throw away. This intimate geography infused the performance with a palpable sense of shared history.

    As Wolf Alice stepped onto the stage, the connection to their roots wasn’t hidden; it radiated outward. During a vibrant display that included bursts of white confetti, Rowsell looked out at the audience with genuine joy, wishing them the best day imaginable—a perfect reflection of the positive energy filling the air.

    The setlist tonight was a masterclass in balancing the new and the familiar. It moved effortlessly between the recent sounds of their album ‘The Clearing’ and beloved tracks from their extensive back catalogue. The performance offered delightful surprises, starting with the sweet, springy sound of ‘Lisbon’ from ‘My Love Is Cool’, before diving into the stripped-back 2013 B-side ‘White Leather’. The evening culminated in a riotous tribute to punk rock with a cover of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ in the encore.

    Beyond the musical choices, the live experience was electric. Tracks like ‘White Horses’, driven by drummer Joel Amey, transformed the park into a sea of bouncing energy. The anthem ‘Bros’ provided an emotional tribute to the band’s own bond and early days, juxtaposed beautifully by old tour diary videos displayed on giant screens. This gave the audience a front-row seat to their journey.

    Wolf Alice explored the full spectrum of their evolving sound, moving from reflective tracks like ‘Visions Of A Life’ to more energetic pieces such as ‘Yuk Foo’ and ‘Smile’. The performance demonstrated that while they respected their history, they were fully engaged in the continuous evolution of their artistic vision.

    The climax was pure celebration. Before the final push with ‘Giant Peach’, a giant disco ball descended from the rafters, signaling a moment of shared optimism. As the band finished with blistering energy, Rowsell delivered a message that resonated deeply: “If you’ve got a crush, you should probably tell them. If you want to start a band, you should probably start one.”

    The final moments felt like a testament to years of hard work. As the lights framed the stage, spelling out Wolf Alice’s name in glowing bulbs against the silver fringe, it was clear that this performance wasn’t just about music—it was an acknowledgment of their journey. It felt like a powerful nod to the fact that they have grown into one of the very best in the world.

    Credit: NME

  • Watch Wolf Alice cover Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ at massive London homecoming Finsbury Park show

    The stage lights were blinding, the energy electric, and an unexpected anthem filled the air: Wolf Alice took the stage at Finsbury Park to deliver a powerful performance of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” It was more than just a cover; it was a seismic moment that captured the raw, evolving spirit of the band.

    The massive gig on July 5th was a stellar assembly of talent, featuring support from The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, Rachel Chinouriri, Keo, and Florence Road. The atmosphere was charged as Wolf Alice delivered a set that showcased their rich catalog, blending beloved tracks like “Bloom Baby Bloom,” “Just Two Girls,” and “Leaning Against the Wall” with the raw power of rock history.

    The performance offered a deep dive into the band’s sound, playing powerful songs from their acclaimed album ‘The Clearing’, including “Bread Butter Tea Sugar” and “The Sofa.” This set, which included their debut of “White Leather,” demonstrated not only their mastery of songwriting but also their ability to connect with an audience on an intensely emotional level.

    As the evening reached its crescendo, Wolf Alice delivered a series of tracks that reflected the journey of their music, culminating in the iconic Nirvana cover. The performance wasn’t just a nostalgic nod; it felt like a declaration of artistic freedom and continuous evolution.

    The success of this moment mirrors the ongoing trajectory of the band. Wolf Alice has been recognized for their impactful work, with ‘The Clearing’ becoming a UK Number One album and earning five-star reviews. They were shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and made history by being nominated for all four of their albums. This recognition highlights how they have managed to settle into new levels of self-acceptance and assurance within their creative process.

    Beyond the music, the band has continued to make a significant impact in the broader cultural landscape. They recently graced the airwaves on SNL UK performing tracks like “White Horses” and “Leaning Against The Wall,” and they also contributed to the closing of the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust series at the Royal Albert Hall.

    Their influence extends into future collaborations. Wolf Alice is gearing up for a major tour supporting Olivia Rodrigo’s massive ‘Unraveled Tour’ in North America, alongside other celebrated artists including The Last Dinner Party, Devon Again, Die Spitz, and Grace Ives. This global ambition shows the band’s dedication to reaching wider audiences.

    The artistic momentum is clearly building. Wolf Alice is currently marking the first anniversary of ‘The Clearing’ in August, standing on a foundation of critically acclaimed music and a palpable sense of forward movement. The legacy established by their work continues to inspire, promising even more exciting developments for the band ahead.

    Credit: NME

  • Wolf Alice Announce ‘The Clearing: B Sides’

    Wolf Alice is taking a moment to celebrate a major musical milestone, and the party is about to get much more interesting. Just shy of a year ago, the band dominated the charts in the UK with their acclaimed album The Clearing, an achievement that cemented their place in the contemporary music landscape.

    Now, as they look back on that triumphant moment, Wolf Alice is bringing fans something truly special: The Clearing: B Sides. This new release isn’t just a collection of previously unreleased tracks; it serves as an auditory deep dive into the raw, untouched material that surrounded their massive hit.

    By revisiting these unheard pieces, the band is offering a chance for listeners to explore the creative depths behind the celebrated album. It’s an opportunity to hear the nuances and experimental sounds that informed their success, offering a fascinating glimpse into the studio sessions and artistic process that led to The Clearing.

    This project transforms the celebration from simply looking back at a hit record into an expansive exploration of the band’s evolving sound. It allows listeners to appreciate the breadth of their songwriting and discover alternate angles of the Wolf Alice experience. The decision to release The Clearing: B Sides is a smart way to honor their legacy while rewarding their devoted audience with exclusive, unvarnished musical content.

    Credit: Clash Magazine

  • Wolf Alice Announce The Clearing (B Sides): Hear “Gospel Oak”

    Wolf Alice, the long-running force in UK alt-rock, isn’t just making music; they are constantly redefining the boundaries of their genre. Their journey is a fascinating example of how musical groups evolve, and their latest move into pop territory is certainly not an isolated incident.

    On their most recent offering, The Clearing, the band took a noticeable and exciting pivot towards a more accessible pop direction. This shift demonstrates a willingness to explore new sonic landscapes rather than remaining comfortably entrenched in their original alt-rock roots.

    What makes this evolution particularly compelling is that it feels like just one chapter in a much larger narrative of musical experimentation. Wolf Alice has consistently shown an ability to evolve, proving that growth in sound doesn’t mean losing the core identity that first drew listeners in.

    This creative agility ensures that their work remains fresh and engaging, continually challenging audiences to re-evaluate what defines them. The band’s commitment to sonic exploration keeps the conversation buzzing long after the music drops.

    Even the deeper cuts and supporting material reflect this ongoing journey. For instance, a recent feature highlighting The Clearing (B Sides) and tracks like “Gospel Oak” showcased another facet of their diverse musical interests, further cementing the idea that Wolf Alice is always pushing the envelope.

    Their trajectory shows that longevity in music isn’t about stagnation; it’s about embracing change. The ongoing evolution of Wolf Alice proves that true artistry lies in continuous reinvention and a fearless willingness to pivot in the pursuit of new creative horizons.

    Credit: Stereogum