It is with great pleasure that I have been tasked once again with bringing you my latest indie pick of the week, a look at an artist not receiving the recognition they deserve. This time round I’m recommending you check out Wolf Alice, who released their much welcome debut EP Blush at the start of October.
Once solo-project of Ellie Rowsell, the band have developed into one of London’s most exciting and highly regarded alternative rock acts following the addition of Joel Amey, Joff Oddie and, most recently, Theo Ellis. The quartet had previously had a string of single releases prior to the Blush EP such as Bros, a song that holds a delicate story of friendship within the lyrics and has a generally attention grabbing sound that has been described by various critics and industry commentators as an unconventional yet delicious blend of folk and grunge. Bros was preceded by two others, Leaving You and Fluffy. Both are heavenly slices of pop-rock and roll as well as statements of intent in terms of how ballsy and unabashed the writing is. Covering topics along the lines of first loves and the crushing disappointment of rejection, Wolf Alice come at their songs from an emotive, angsty and atmospheric angle, making them extremely captivating to the ears. Yet, although they can be deeply sensitive and soothing in parts, it’s safe to say they are not shy when it comes to grunging something up. The gritty guitar lines and wailing vocals are more than enough proof of this. Their latest release Blush has continued to fuel the hype and general anticipation around the forthcoming (but as of yet unannounced) debut full length album from a band deemed to “never write the same song twice”. Title track and opener Blush has been lovingly crafted with Rowsell’s heart-melting vocals really shining through. In contrast brand new single She is anything but. If Blush was a fragile glass vase then She would be the sledgehammer-wielding teenager that comes along to destroy it out of pure frustration. Chaotic and heavy, it is a must listen.
So there you have it, yet another look at an artist I just can’t get enough of at the moment. I really do hope you check them out and hopefully like them half as much as I do. This article comes just in time to coincide with a special gig Wolf Alice are playing rather ironically at Lancaster library on Friday 6th December as part of the ‘Get it Loud in Libraries’ project. The venue has played host to the likes of Ellie Goulding, The Vaccines and Howler, often showcasing awesome talent in their early years, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Tickets for the show on the 6th December are available at http://www.seetickets.com/event/wolf-alice/lancaster-library/749077
