Wolf Alice have become one of the UK’s most acclaimed alternative rock bands, celebrated for their genre-blending sound and raw, honest songwriting. Formed in London in 2010, the band—fronted by Ellie Rowsell with Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis, and Joel Amey—have steadily built a reputation for electrifying live shows and albums that capture the spirit and anxieties of a generation. Their journey from indie darlings to Mercury Prize winners has been marked by constant reinvention, and 2025 is shaping up to be another landmark year.
The Clearing: A Confident New Era
Wolf Alice’s fourth studio album, The Clearing, is set for release on 29 August 2025, marking their first major label project after signing with Sony Music. Produced by Grammy-winner Greg Kurstin, the album promises a bold new direction, blending the band’s signature emotional intensity with lush 70s-inspired soundscapes and touches of Latin jazz. Lead single “Bloom Baby Bloom” offers a taste of this evolution, pairing Rowsell’s powerful vocals with a punchy, modern take on classic rock.
Ellie Rowsell has spoken about the freedom she felt making this record, choosing to focus on her voice as a rock instrument and stepping away from the “girl singer in a band” trope. The result is a collection of songs that are both ambitious and intimate, exploring themes of growth, change, and the complexity of adult life. Critics have praised the single for its emotional nuance and Rowsell’s captivating vocal range, signalling that The Clearing could be Wolf Alice’s most self-assured work yet.
Glastonbury and a Triumphant Festival Return
Wolf Alice’s return to the stage has been met with excitement and acclaim. Their 2025 Glastonbury performance on the Other Stage was a standout moment, with Rowsell commanding the crowd and delivering both rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. Reviewers noted the band’s star power and ability to connect with massive festival audiences, highlighting Rowsell’s electrifying presence and the emotional weight of their newer material.
The band’s festival appearances this summer, including Radio 1’s Big Weekend, have reignited anticipation for their upcoming tour and album. After a period of relative quiet since their 2022 tour, Wolf Alice’s re-emergence feels both timely and necessary in the current UK music landscape.
The 2025 World Tour: Ambition on a Grand Scale
In support of The Clearing, Wolf Alice have announced their largest tour to date—a 43-date international run that will see them play arenas across the UK, Europe, and North America. The UK leg kicks off in Manchester on 28 November and includes major stops in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, and Dublin. The scale of this tour reflects the band’s growing confidence and ambition, as well as their commitment to connecting with fans old and new.
Notably, Wolf Alice have pledged to donate £1 from every UK ticket sold to support grassroots venues and emerging artists, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to the wider music community. This initiative has been widely welcomed by fans and industry observers alike.
Critical Acclaim and Chart Success
Wolf Alice’s rise has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success. Their second album, Visions of a Life, won the 2018 Mercury Prize, while 2021’s Blue Weekend debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Each release has seen the band push their sound in new directions, from the bruised euphoria of their debut, My Love Is Cool, to the cinematic sweep of Blue Weekend.
Their ability to blend grunge, folk, shoegaze, and pop influences has earned them a loyal following and a reputation as one of Britain’s most innovative bands. As they enter their second decade, Wolf Alice show no signs of slowing down, with The Clearing and the 2025 tour poised to cement their legacy further.
Conclusion
The themes of The Clearing—embracing uncertainty, reflecting on life’s choices, and celebrating growth—mirror the band’s own journey. Rowsell and her bandmates have spoken candidly about the challenges and joys of growing older in the public eye, and their new music channels this honesty into songs that feel both personal and universal.
As Wolf Alice prepare to release their new album and embark on their most ambitious tour yet, they remain at the forefront of UK alternative music. Their willingness to evolve, experiment, and engage with their audience ensures that their story is far from over. For fans and newcomers alike, 2025 promises to be a defining chapter in the Wolf Alice saga—a testament to the enduring power of reinvention and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience.
To read more click here
