On October 7th, 2013, a four-piece indie/alt-rock band hailing from North London, known as Wolf Alice, who’s name was inspired by a short story by the English writer Angela Carter, released their second EP, titled ‘Blush,’ officially marking their debut under the independent label Chess Club. At the time, they had already begun to gain recognition within the indie underground music scene, thanks to endorsements from BBC Radio 1 and NME, who included the band’s song ‘Leaving You’ on their playlists. Subsequently, Wolf Alice would go on to become one of the most beloved bands in the UK, currently active in the music industry.
Comprising of drummer Joel Amey, bassist Theo Ellis, lead guitarist Joff Oddie, and singer/guitarist Ellie Rowsell, Wolf Alice has created a remarkable musical journey with their three albums: ‘My Love Is Cool’ (2015), ‘Visions of a Life’ (2017), and their most recent release, ‘Blue Weekend’ (2021). These albums, all released under the Dirty Hit label, have cemented the band’s position as one of the most influential acts in contemporary indie music. Their journey began with the signing to Dirty Hit before releasing their third EP, ‘Beautiful Creatures’ (2014), which served as a pivotal moment in their career. Each of their projects has consistently received critical acclaim and a host of well-deserved accolades. Notably, ‘Blush’ marked the debut where the band’s signature blend of shoegaze, grunge, indie, and alt-rock was first showcased, resulting in immense success.
The EP comprises four tracks, each displaying a notable variation in style and genre. However, what ties them together is Rowsell’s elegant, gorgeous, and at times, borderline haunting vocals. Her performances have moments that are nothing short of hypnotic. Take, for example, the opening title track of the project, where Rowsell sings in a melancholic and tender tone, addressing the theme of overcoming barriers to embrace one’s authentic self. The song’s structure begins in a folksy manner, reminiscent of Band of Horses’ iconic song ‘The Funeral,’ before gradually building up to a euphoric shoegaze climax that evokes the sensation of floating through space.
The single ‘She,’ featured on the EP, takes a compelling and urgent narrative path, delving into themes of jealousy, rebellion, and loss as it unravels a story of a girl who envies everything about the subject of her song. This track carries a punky quality, with a bridge that seamlessly transitions into elements of shoegaze and folk. It’s a fast-paced and angsty rock song that brims with emotion.On the other hand, ‘Nosedive’ embarks on a more psychedelic journey within the indie genre, exuding an intentional sense of carelessness that sets it apart from the rest of the songs. The refrain, “Who’s there? Who cares?” encapsulates the song’s attitude in a simple yet effective manner.
The EP reaches its climax with ’90 Mile Beach,’ a track that gradually builds momentum and concludes in a style reminiscent of Pink Floyd. In the latter half of the song, the entire band goes all out, shredding as if their lives depended on it, leading up to the track’s conclusion. Rowsell’s vocals passionately implore someone to follow through with the plans she has made for their future, repeatedly proclaiming the words “You owe me” during the chorus. The unstructured instrumental arrangement in the second half suggests that her plans have gone awry, and the musical chaos mirrors her frustration with things not going as intended. This sense of disappointment is relatable to many, adding a touch of universality to the song’s themes.Returning to ‘Blush’ after many years has reignited my appreciation for the band. Their music played a pivotal role in my adolescent years, helping me cope with some profoundly challenging times. Witnessing their accomplishments over the past decade is truly inspiring. Regardless of what the future holds for Wolf Alice, they will always hold a special place in my heart.
