Wolf Alice Rocks the Charts with Artful Albums and 70s Vibes

Wolf Alice is a British band that has made a big impact on the music scene. The group consists of Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis, and Joel Amey. They have become known for their unique sound and powerful performances. Recently, Wolf Alice was nominated for the Mercury Prize for their latest album, The Clearing. This is a remarkable achievement because they have now been nominated for all four of their albums, something no other band has done, not even famous groups like Arctic Monkeys or Radiohead.

Ellie Rowsell, the lead singer, admits that she gets nervous at award ceremonies. She remembers feeling very anxious when the band won the Mercury Prize in 2018. Even though she is energetic and confident on stage, singing intense songs and captivating audiences, she sometimes feels unsure of herself. In The Clearing, Ellie explores these feelings, singing about being an outsider and questioning her own abilities. She says she is not the loudest person in the room but is grateful to be recognized again.

Wolf Alice takes the art of making albums very seriously. Joff Oddie, the guitarist, believes that creating a great album is one of the highest forms of art. He says that while good songs and live performances are important, a truly great album is a major accomplishment. This is why the band supports National Album Day, which celebrates the importance of albums in music. When asked about their favorite albums, the band members mention The Streets' A Grand Don't Come For Free and Brian Eno's Music For Airports. They also agree that The Velvet Underground & Nico is essential for any serious music fan.

The band's musical style has changed over the years. Wolf Alice started as a folk duo in 2010 but quickly grew into a popular indie band. Their early days were challenging because they didn't know much about making records, but they learned from working with patient producers. Each album has shown their growth. Their debut, My Love Is Cool, mixed dreamy indie songs with strong guitar riffs. Visions Of A Life, their second album, brought them their biggest hit and won the Mercury Prize. Blue Weekend, their third album, helped them become festival headliners.

The Clearing, their newest album, marks a bold change in their sound. It draws inspiration from 1970s pop music, with influences from bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Carpenters. Some fans and critics were surprised by the softer style, but Wolf Alice wanted to try something different. They worked with top producer Greg Kurstin to create an album full of catchy melodies and rich harmonies. While some critics missed the heavier guitar songs, the band feels confident about their new direction.

The album's artwork also reflects their new style. For the first time, Wolf Alice used full portraits of the band members, dressed in 1970s rock fashion. Photographer Rachel Fleminger Hudson helped create the look by researching images and interviews that matched the band's vision. Wolf Alice is proud of their evolution and happy to be recognized as a major band. They are currently on a world tour and will perform in the UK soon. The band shows that embracing change and staying true to their artistic vision can lead to lasting success.