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Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice
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Wolf Alice are an English rock band from London. Formed in 2010 as an acoustic duo made up of singer Ellie Rowsell and guitarist Joff Oddie, Wolf Alice have also featured drummer Joel Amey and bassist Theo Ellis since 2012.

Key Information

Wolf Alice played their first gig at Highbury Garage in December 2010 supporting April in the Shade, after Rowsell and Oddie met the band at an open mic at the Hope and Anchor in Islington. They released their debut single "Fluffy" in February 2013 and followed it with "Bros" in May. They released their debut EP Blush in October, and its follow-up Creature Songs in May 2014. In February 2015, the band released the lead single "Giant Peach" from their debut album My Love Is Cool, which was released in June 2015. It includes their 2014 single "Moaning Lisa Smile", which peaked at No. 9 on US Billboard's Alternative Songs chart in August 2015,[1] and was nominated for the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.

The band released their second studio album Visions of a Life in September 2017. It debuted at No.2 on the UK Albums Chart, and received widespread acclaim from music critics. Ranked as one of the year's best albums by multiple publications, the album won the 2018 Mercury Prize. The band's third studio album Blue Weekend was released in June 2021 to universal acclaim, and became the band's first UK No.1 album. Wolf Alice won the 2022 Brit Award for British Group. Their fourth album, The Clearing, was released in August 2025 and also hit No. 1 in the UK.

History

[edit]

2010–2016: Formation, EPs and My Love Is Cool

[edit]

Wolf Alice were formed in 2010 and began as an acoustic duo between Ellie Rowsell and Joff Oddie. Their name came from a short story by Angela Carter.[2][3] Eventually deciding to add electric elements to their sound, they recruited Rowsell's childhood friend Sadie Cleary to play bass and Oddie's friend James DC to be their drummer. They self-released an EP called Wolf Alice that year, featuring three songs: "Every Cloud", "Wednesday", and "Destroy Me".[4]

When James DC broke his wrist in 2012, Joel Amey joined the band as a temporary replacement drummer, but later became a permanent member. In that same year, Cleary left to focus on her studies. Theo Ellis was then recruited as their bassist in late 2012.[5] They released the song "Leaving You" online on SoundCloud as a free download which gained airplay from BBC Radio 1 and featured in NME's 'Radar' section.[6] After the song was released, they toured with Peace, and recorded a session for Huw Stephens' Radio 1 show in January. They released their first physical single "Fluffy" in February 2013 on the Chess Club label.[2][7]

Wolf Alice released their second single "Bros" in May on Chess Club Records.[8][9] "Bros" is one of the first songs that Rowsell wrote, which the band played in their early stages, leading to a tour where the band were supported by bands such as Dressed Like Wolves and Dead New Blood.[10] In October 2013, Wolf Alice released their first official EP called Blush, which was preceded by the release of "She".

In December 2013, they were chosen as the single most blogged about artist in the UK in that year by BBC Radio 6 Music.[11] In 2014, they signed to Dirty Hit and released their second EP Creature Songs in May. In December 2014, the band were named "Best Breakthrough Artist" at the UK Festival Awards.[12]

In late February 2015, Wolf Alice announced their debut album My Love Is Cool, and released the first single from the album, "Giant Peach".[13] In April, they released a reworked version of the fan favourite "Bros" as the second single from their debut album.[14] On 10 June, the band shared a new track, "You're a Germ".[15] My Love Is Cool was released on 22 June, debuting at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving highly positive reviews. Later that year, they released "You're a Germ" and "Freazy" as singles, as well as "Lisbon" in 2016. Later in 2016, they toured as a support act for the 1975's tour in the US.[16]

Filmmaker Michael Winterbottom followed Wolf Alice as they toured in support of My Love Is Cool. He filmed the band and also inserted two actors among them, playing members of the road crew, with a fictional love story developing as they moved from gig to gig. The resulting docudrama film, On the Road, was released in October 2016. According to Deadspin, "In the documentary, Winterbottom captures 16 different gigs and daily life backstage from the point of view of a new member of their crew."[17]

2017–2020: Visions of a Life, Mercury Prize win

[edit]
Wolf Alice in 2017

In June 2017, Wolf Alice released the lead single "Yuk Foo" off their second studio album, Visions of a Life. They released three more singles, "Don't Delete the Kisses", "Beautifully Unconventional", and "Heavenward", before the release of their album on 28 September. In 2018, they also released "Formidable Cool", "Sadboy" and "Space & Time" as singles from the album.

The band toured throughout 2018, including dates supporting Foo Fighters during their Concrete and Gold Tour and Queens of the Stone Age as part of their Villains World Tour.[18] They also supported Liam Gallagher at his concert at Finsbury Park on 29 June 2018.[19]

In September 2018, Visions of a Life won the 2018 Mercury Prize.[20]

2021–2023: Blue Weekend

[edit]
Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell performing at the Wiltern in 2022

On 15 February 2021, the band's website was updated to show a looping video of an eye, with the heading "The Last Man on Earth".[21] On 22 February 2021, the band announced that their single "The Last Man on Earth" would be released on 24 February 2021,[22] and would debut on Annie Mac's show on BBC Radio 1.[23] The release of the single was backed by the announcement of their third studio album, Blue Weekend, which was released on 4 June 2021.[24] The second single from the album, "Smile", was released on 20 April 2021. Blue Weekend received widespread critical acclaim, and was nominated for the 2021 Mercury Prize.[25] On 29 October 2021, the band released Blue Weekend: Tour Deluxe which includes four live versions of tracks from the album ("Smile", "How Can I Make it OK", "Safe From Heartbreak", and "The Last Man on Earth") as well as a live cover of "Bobby" by Alex G.

Wolf Alice won the 2022 Brit Award for Group of the Year.[26]

On 5 May 2022, the band released a lullaby version of "The Last Man on Earth" as a single and announced Blue Lullaby, an EP featuring reworked lullaby versions of five tracks from Blue Weekend, which was subsequently released on 24 June 2022.[27] During the summer of 2022, the band played 17 shows supporting Harry Styles' Love On Tour, the first date in Hamburg on 26 June and the last show in Lisbon on 31 July.

2024–present: The Clearing

[edit]

In February 2024, it was announced that Wolf Alice had left Dirty Hit to sign with Columbia Records.[28] In April 2025, Wolf Alice began to tease the release of new material on their social media accounts. On 15 May, the band released the single "Bloom Baby Bloom" and subsequently announced their fourth studio album The Clearing,[29] originally to be released on 29 August 2025,[30] but later moved to 22 August 2025.[31] In November 2025, it was announced that Wolf Alice were in the lineup for a one-off concert, Trans Mission, in aid of trans-solidarity charities Good Law Project and Not A Phase, to be staged on 11 March 2026 by singer Olly Alexander teamed up with Mighty Hoopla.[32] Other performers in the line-up will include Sugababes, Beth Ditto and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.[33]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

While the group's early material was folk-tinged pop, they became more rock-oriented after the rhythm section joined.[34][35] Generally, the band's musical style has been described as alternative rock,[36][37][38] indie rock,[3][39] dream pop,[39][38] shoegaze,[36][40] grunge,[41][36] folk,[39][41] pop,[41][40] and electronic.[39] Clash described the band as "the lovechild of folk and grunge".[2] The "Fluffy" single saw the band compared to Elastica and Hole, while the single's B-side, "White Leather", saw comparisons to the xx.[42][43][44] Kitty Empire, writing in The Observer, described their sound as "an engaging strain of off-kilter indie rock".[3] The band describe their music as "rocky pop".[45] The Telegraph declare Wolf Alice's debut album as 'feral and sophisticated' in review.[46]

In interviews, the band have cited their liking for the Vines,[47] the Beatles, the Band,[48] Siouxsie and the Banshees, Blur, and Courtney Love.[49]

Rowsell's voice type is classified as soprano.[50][51]

Band members

[edit]
Joff Oddie performing in 2025
Theo Ellis performing in 2025

Current members

  • Ellie Rowsell – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, piano (2010–present)
  • Joff Oddie – lead guitar, violin, synthesizers, backing vocals (2010–present)
  • Joel Amey – drums, percussion, synthesizers, backing vocals (2012–present)
  • Theo Ellis – bass, synthesizers, backing vocals (2012–present)

Current touring musicians

  • Ryan Malcolm – keyboards, synthesizers, piano, percussion, backing vocals (2021–present)

Former members

  • Sadie Cleary – bass (2010–2012)
  • James DC – drums (2010–2012)

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Wolf Alice discography
See also: List of songs recorded by Wolf Alice

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
AIM Independent Music Awards 2016 Best Live Act Wolf Alice Nominated [52]
PPL Award for Most-Played Independent New Act Nominated
2018 Best Independent Track "Don't Delete the Kisses" Nominated [53]
Brit Awards 2016 British Breakthrough Act Wolf Alice Nominated [54]
2018 British Group Nominated [55]
2022 Won [56]
Best British Alternative/Rock Act Nominated
Global Awards 2018 Best Indie Nominated [57]
Grammy Awards 2016 Best Rock Performance "Moaning Lisa Smile" Nominated [58]
iTunes Store 2015 Best New Artist/Band Wolf Alice Won [59]
Ivor Novello 2016 Best Song Musically and Lyrically "Bros" Nominated [60]
Mercury Prize 2015 Best Album My Love Is Cool Nominated [61]
2018 Visions of a Life Won [62]
2021 Blue Weekend Nominated [63]
2025 The Clearing Nominated [64]
NME Awards 2016 Best British Band Wolf Alice Nominated [65]
Best Live Band Won
Best Fan Community Nominated
Best Album My Love Is Cool Nominated
Best Track "Giant Peach" Won
Best Music Video "You're a Germ" Nominated
2017 Best British Band Wolf Alice Nominated [66]
Best Live Band Nominated
Best Music Video Nominated
2018 Best British Band Nominated [67]
Best Album Visions of a Life Nominated
2022 Best Band in the World Wolf Alice Nominated [68][69]
Best Band from the UK Nominated
Best Festival Headliner Won
Best Album in the World Blue Weekend Nominated
Best Album by a UK Artist Nominated
UK Festival Awards 2014 Best Breakthrough Artist Wolf Alice Won [12]
UK Music Video Awards 2015 Best Live Music Coverage Wolf Alice Vevo Lift UK Nominated [70]
2018 Best Rock Video – Newcomer "Space and Time" Nominated [71]
2019 Best Live Video "Visions of a Life" Nominated [72]
2021 "Lipstick on the Glass" at Union Chapel Nominated [73]
Best Rock Video – UK "How Can I Make It Ok" Nominated
Best Special Video Project Blue Weekend Nominated
2025 Best Rock Video – UK "The Sofa" Nominated [74]
"Bloom Baby Bloom" Won
Best Styling in a Video Nominated
Best Choreography in a Video Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wolf Alice

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wolf Alice is an English band formed in in 2010 as an acoustic duo consisting of vocalist and guitarist and guitarist Joff Oddie. In 2012, the duo expanded to a four-piece with the addition of bassist Theo Ellis and drummer Joel Amey, solidifying their lineup that has remained stable since. The band draws from , , and alternative influences, known for Rowsell's versatile vocals and their blend of introspective lyrics with dynamic instrumentation. Wolf Alice gained prominence with their debut studio album, My Love Is Cool, released in 2015 via Dirty Hit, which peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart and featured singles like "Bros" and "You're a Germ." Their second album, Visions of a Life (2017), achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, topping the UK charts and earning the band the Mercury Prize in 2018. Follow-up Blue Weekend (2021) also reached number one in the UK. Their fourth album, The Clearing, released in August 2025, debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and was shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize. The band has garnered multiple accolades, including the in 2022, recognizing their evolving sound and live performances. Wolf Alice's music often explores themes of , relationships, and emotional , contributing to their as one of the UK's leading acts of the and .

History

2010–2014: Formation and early EPs

Wolf Alice was formed in 2010 in by vocalist and guitarist and guitarist Joff Oddie as an acoustic duo, initially performing folk-influenced material at local nights. The pair drew their band name from "Wolf-Alice," a in Angela Carter's 1979 collection and Other Stories, which features a feral girl raised by wolves who gradually discovers her humanity. Their debut performance came that December at the Highbury Garage, where they supported the band April in the Shade after connecting at an event, marking the start of their live presence in London's underground scene. By 2012, Rowsell and Oddie transitioned from their duo format to a full rock band, recruiting bassist Theo Ellis—a friend of Oddie—and drummer Joel Amey, who had previously filled in during an emergency when Oddie's wrist was injured. This lineup shift allowed the group to explore a broader sonic palette, moving beyond acoustic sets toward amplified indie rock arrangements while continuing to hone their sound through grassroots gigs in small venues across the UK. These early shows, often in intimate spaces, helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase organically, with audiences drawn to Rowsell's emotive vocals and the band's raw energy. The band's first official release came in February 2013 with the single "Bros," a heartfelt ode to platonic friendship that showcased Rowsell's introspective lyrics over shimmering guitars. This track paved the way for their debut EP, Blush, issued on 7 October 2013 through Chess Club Records, which included "Bros" alongside "Blush," "She," and "Monster in the House." Critics praised the EP for its emotional depth and dynamic range, hailing Wolf Alice as promising newcomers blending indie pop vulnerability with subtle grunge edges; The Line of Best Fit described them as an "up-and-coming quartet from London" whose sound evoked influences like Pixies and Wire. NME noted the EP's "angsty rock-pop" as evoking bashful adolescence, awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars. In 2014, Wolf Alice signed with Dirty Hit and released their follow-up EP, Creature Songs, on 26 May, featuring tracks like "Moaning Lisa Smile," "Storms," "Heavenly Creatures," and "We're Not the Same." The release highlighted a marked evolution toward a louder, more aggressive rock sound, with anthemic riffs and driving rhythms contrasting the quieter introspection of their earlier work. This period also saw the band embark on initial support tours, including slots with emerging acts like Swim Deep, which further solidified their grassroots following through energetic live sets and word-of-mouth buzz in the UK indie circuit.

2015–2016: My Love Is Cool and rising prominence

Following their early EPs, Wolf Alice signed with Records in February 2014, paving the way for their debut full-length album. The band recorded throughout 2015 at Livingston Recording Studios in with producer , whose work on the project emphasized the group's from grunge-infused riffs to ethereal pop elements. The album was released on 22 June 2015 via in the UK and in the US, debuting and peaking at No. 2 on the . Key tracks such as "Bros," "You're a Germ," and "Moaning Lisa Smile" showcased the band's ability to shift between aggressive rock anthems and introspective ballads, with "Bros" highlighting sibling-like camaraderie in its lyrics and "You're a Germ" delivering raw, punk-edged energy. The record received widespread critical acclaim for its genre-blending approach, merging , , and pop with invigorating confidence and maturity. This praise culminated in a nomination for the , recognizing My Love Is Cool among the year's top British albums. To promote the album, Wolf Alice embarked on extensive tours across the and in 2015 and 2016, including opening for on their European and North American dates, which exposed the band to larger audiences. They headlined major s such as Reading and in August 2015, delivering high-energy sets that solidified their live reputation. Singles like "Bros" and "Moaning Lisa Smile" were supported by striking that emphasized the band's visual aesthetics, featuring narrative-driven storytelling, unconventional costumes, and surreal imagery to complement their sonic versatility. These efforts marked Wolf Alice's breakthrough into mainstream prominence, transitioning them from underground buzz to festival staples.

2017–2019: Visions of a Life and Mercury Prize win

In early 2017, Wolf Alice began recording their second studio album, Visions of a Life, working with producer in . The sessions emphasized the band's evolving sound, blending aggressive rock elements with more introspective moments, and the album was completed in time for its release on September 29, 2017, via . Upon release, Visions of a Life debuted at number 2 on the , marking a commercial step up from their debut while showcasing their growing confidence. The album features standout tracks such as "Yuk Foo," a raw, expletive-laden opener driven by distorted guitars and frantic energy; "Beautifully Unconventional," a punk-infused rant about feeling out of place; and "Don't Delete the Kisses," a shimmering synth-pop track exploring the uncertainties of new romance. Overall, Visions of a Life delves into themes of personal growth amid anxiety, the complexities of relationships, and the passage into adulthood, reflecting the band's experiences in their mid-20s with a mix of vulnerability and defiance. Following the album's release, Wolf Alice embarked on extensive international tours from late 2017 through 2019, including headline shows in arenas across Europe and North America, as well as festival appearances at events like Reading and Leeds. They also served as support act for Queens of the Stone Age on select North American dates in 2018, exposing them to larger audiences and solidifying their live reputation for dynamic performances. In July 2018, Visions of a Life was shortlisted for the , the band's second consecutive nomination after their debut album, recognizing its artistic range and innovation. On September 20, 2018, Wolf Alice won the award at the ceremony in , becoming the first female-fronted act to claim the prize since in 2011. The victory, announced after performances by shortlisted artists, highlighted the album's eclectic blend of genres and emotional depth, boosting its profile further.

2020–2022: Blue Weekend era

The profoundly influenced the creation of Wolf Alice's third studio album, , providing the band with extended time to refine their material amid global lockdowns and restrictions that delayed the overall process. Having completed songwriting in 2019, the group began recording in January 2020 at IPC Studios in , , under the production of , whose collaboration emphasized organic instrumentation like pianos and strings alongside synthesis. The extended studio sessions, which lasted longer than previous efforts due to the lack of touring obligations, allowed for deeper exploration of emotional layers, as bassist Theo Ellis noted: "The album has really benefited from the amount of time we were able to spend on it, which was a byproduct of ." Released on 4 June 2021 via , Blue Weekend marked the band's first No. 1 on the , displacing Olivia Rodrigo's Sour from the top spot and signaling their growing commercial stature. The album's , "The Last Man on Earth," arrived on 24 February 2021, drawing inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut's themes of human arrogance and solitude to evoke a sense of isolated that resonated amid the . Subsequent singles "" (20 April 2021) and "How Can I Make It OK?" (3 June 2021) further explored emotional isolation and relational strain, with the former's defiant energy masking underlying vulnerability and the latter serving as a raw plea for in uncertain times. Blue Weekend earned Wolf Alice their third in September 2021, following previous shortlistings for My Love Is Cool (2015) and a win for Visions of a Life (2018). At the 2022 , the band secured their first win for British Group while also receiving a for Best Rock/Alternative Act, underscoring the album's critical and industry acclaim. As restrictions eased, Wolf Alice launched a comprehensive world tour in early 2022 to support , commencing with and dates in January before expanding to Europe, headline slots at in June—where they delivered a high-energy set despite travel disruptions—and a North American leg in fall, including major venues like New York's Terminal 5. Setlists evolved throughout the run, initially heavy on new material like "" and "Lipstick on the Glass" to showcase the album's cinematic scope, gradually incorporating fan favorites from prior releases such as "" and "" for a balanced retrospective of their catalog. However, a surge in cases forced the postponement of several shows in January, rescheduling them for later in the year to prioritize safety.

2023–present: Label change, The Clearing, and ongoing tours

Following the conclusion of their world tour in early 2023, Wolf Alice entered a period of creative hiatus, during which the band members focused on personal projects and reflection before resuming activities. In February 2024, the group parted ways with their longtime indie label after fulfilling a three-album contract and signed a with , a imprint, marking a shift to major-label backing for their future releases. The band's fourth studio album, The Clearing, was written in North London and recorded in Los Angeles during 2024 with producer Greg Kurstin, whose pop-inflected production style emphasized the group's evolving sound. Released on August 22, 2025, via Columbia, the album explores themes of maturity, ageing, and interpersonal reflection, drawing from the band's experiences of longevity in the industry. Lead single "Bloom Baby Bloom," released in May 2025, introduced the record's blend of indie rock and baroque pop elements, while follow-up tracks like "The Sofa" and "White Horses" further showcased its introspective lyricism. The Clearing debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, securing the band's second chart-topping album after Blue Weekend. In September 2025, The Clearing earned Wolf Alice their fourth Mercury Prize nomination, making them the first act to be shortlisted for every one of their studio albums—a streak that includes their 2018 win for Visions of a Life. The band performed "Bloom Baby Bloom" at the ceremony on October 16, 2025, highlighting their continued critical acclaim. Supporting the album, Wolf Alice embarked on an extensive 2025 tour, including a major North American leg that culminated in a sold-out headline show at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on October 13. Amid this resurgence, media outlets such as The Independent have hailed the band as "Britain's foremost guitar band," underscoring their enduring influence in the UK rock scene.

Artistry

Musical style

Wolf Alice's music is primarily rooted in , incorporating elements of , , punk, and to create a genre-blending sound characterized by its versatility and emotional intensity. The band's sonic palette often features heavy use of , reverb, and layered instrumentation, with guitars that shift from clean, shimmering tones to fuzz-laden walls of sound, complemented by driving rhythms and atmospheric synths. This approach allows for a rich, immersive texture that evokes both raw aggression and ethereal beauty, as heard in tracks that fuse punk energy with haze. Central to their style is vocalist Rowsell's dynamic range, which spans from intimate whispers and breathy folk-inflected delivery to piercing screams and powerful belts, enabling seamless transitions within songs. Her vocals often serve as the emotional anchor, cutting through layers of instrumentation with vulnerability or ferocity, while the band's quiet-loud structures—building from sparse, acoustic openings to explosive crescendos—amplify these shifts for dramatic effect. The band's sound has evolved significantly from their early days as an acoustic folk duo, where breathy, naive arrangements dominated their self-titled EP, to more expansive and fluid compositions in later works. By their debut album (2015), they had incorporated and pop elements, and subsequent releases like Visions of a Life (2017) introduced influences through droning synths and reverbed electronic noise, expanding their palette into noise-pop territory. This progression continued with (2021), emphasizing introspective balladry and orchestral elements, and further matured in The Clearing (2025), which features more polished, piano-driven pop-rock arrangements while maintaining genre fluidity. Comparisons have been drawn to the Pixies' abrupt dynamic contrasts and My Bloody Valentine's swirling distortion for their fusion of melody and noise.

Influences

Wolf Alice's name derives from the short story "Wolf-Alice" in Angela Carter's 1979 collection and Other Stories, which reimagines fairy tales with feminist undertones, exploring themes of female autonomy, sexuality, and transformation from feral innocence to self-awareness. The band's lyrics often echo these motifs, portraying women's sexual awakening as both empowering and perilous, aligning with Carter's critique of patriarchal myths. Musically, the band draws from 1990s grunge and alternative rock for emotional intensity, particularly citing Nirvana as a key influence on their raw, dynamic guitar work and themes of , evident in the heavy riffs of "Moaning Lisa Smile" from (2015). Radiohead inspires their experimental approach, with frontwoman praising the band's boundary-pushing songwriting that bridges indie and mainstream, influencing Wolf Alice's genre-blending on albums like (2021). Similarly, shapes their atmospheric emotional depth, contributing to the band's ability to shift between introspective melancholy and explosive energy, as in covers and playlist inclusions that highlight influences. Rowsell's vocal and songwriting style is profoundly shaped by female artists, notably for expressive, theatrical delivery, which informed recent tracks like "Bloom Baby Bloom" (2025) with its intricate arrangements and soaring vocals. serves as a major influence on her lyricism, blending sentiment with sharp storytelling; Rowsell has named from Harvey's 2007 album as a favorite for its haunting, nursery-rhyme-like structure and vocal effects, impacting Wolf Alice's narrative-driven songs and Mercury Prize-winning Visions of a Life. Visually, the band's aesthetics and music videos draw from filmmaker Sofia Coppola's dreamy, nostalgic style, particularly her adaptation of (1999), which inspired the melancholic longing in Wolf Alice's song "Lisbon" from , evoking themes of youthful isolation and ethereal beauty.

Members and personnel

Current members

The current lineup of Wolf Alice has remained stable since 2012, consisting of on lead vocals and guitar, Joff Oddie on guitar, Theo Ellis on bass, and Joel Amey on drums. Ellie Rowsell has served as the band's frontwoman and lead songwriter since its inception as an acoustic duo with Oddie in , delivering dynamic vocals and guitar work that define the group's sound. Joff Oddie, co-founder and primary , joined Rowsell at the start and contributes layered guitar textures alongside backing vocals. Theo Ellis joined in 2012 on bass, providing driving bass lines and occasional backing vocals that anchor the band's rhythmic and melodic foundation. Joel Amey also came aboard in 2012 as drummer, offering a solid rhythmic backbone that supports the quartet's evolution from folk roots to .

Former members

Wolf Alice originated in 2010 as an acoustic duo comprising vocalist and guitarist Joff Oddie, who performed intimate sets in venues without additional members. To incorporate electric elements and develop a fuller band sound, they enlisted Sadie Cleary—a childhood friend of Rowsell—and James DC, a school acquaintance of Oddie, later that year. Cleary and DC contributed to the band's early live performances, including their debut gig as a quartet at London's Highbury Garage in 2010, supporting April in the Shade. In 2010, the group self-released a self-titled EP comprising tracks such as "," "," and "Destroy Me," which showcased a dreamier, synth-infused aesthetic and marked Cleary and DC's primary recorded output with the band. These efforts remained limited to independent distribution and did not achieve wide commercial release. That same year, DC sustained a wrist injury during a performance, prompting Joel Amey to step in as a temporary replacement; Amey soon joined permanently on . Cleary subsequently left the band to pursue a career outside music, with Theo Ellis joining to complete the stable lineup that has endured since. No further changes to the membership have occurred post-2012.

Discography

Studio albums

Wolf Alice's debut studio album, My Love Is Cool, was released on 22 June 2015 through Dirty Hit in the UK and RCA Records in the US. The 11-track record, featuring songs like "Bros" and "You're a Germ," debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and has been certified gold by the BPI for sales exceeding 100,000 units in the UK. It received generally favorable reviews, earning a Metacritic score of 78 based on 21 critics, with praise for its blend of grunge, shoegaze, and indie rock influences. The band's sophomore effort, Visions of a Life, arrived on 29 September 2017 via . This 12-track album, including standout tracks such as "Yuk Foo" and also peaked at No. 2 on the and sold over 100,000 copies in the UK. It garnered widespread acclaim, achieving a score of 81 from 21 reviews, and later won the 2018 , boosting its profile as a critical triumph in . It has been certified gold by the BPI. Blue Weekend, Wolf Alice's third studio album, was released on 4 June 2021 by Dirty Hit. The 11-track collection, highlighted by "The Last Man on Earth" and "Smile," debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart with 36,182 units sold in its first week, marking the band's first chart-topping release. It earned universal acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 91 from 19 critics, often cited as the band's most ambitious and cohesive work to date. The album has been certified gold by the BPI. In 2025, Wolf Alice shifted to Columbia Records for their fourth album, The Clearing, released on 22 August. This 11-track LP, led by singles like "Bloom Baby Bloom," entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 1, securing the band's second consecutive summit position. It received strong reviews, scoring 80 on Metacritic from 17 critics, and ties into an extensive 2025 world tour spanning North America, Europe, and the UK, including arena dates at London's O2 and Manchester's AO Arena. By 2025, Wolf Alice's studio albums had collectively sold over 300,000 copies in the UK alone, reflecting their growing commercial impact.

EPs and singles

Wolf Alice released their debut , Blush, on 7 October 2013 through Chess Club Records. The EP consists of four tracks: "Blush", "She", "Nosedive", and "90 Mile Beach". It marked the band's breakthrough in the UK indie scene, earning praise for its blend of and elements that showcased the group's early versatility. The follow-up EP, Creature Songs, arrived on 26 May 2014 via and peaked at number 29 on the UK Independent Singles Chart. Featuring four tracks—"Moaning Lisa Smile", "Storms", "Heavenly Creatures", and "We're Not the Same"—the release demonstrated genre experimentation, juxtaposing heavy guitar-driven anthems with loungey pop and piano-led ballads. Among their key singles, "Bros" (initially released in 2013 and reissued in 2015) peaked at No. 88 on the UK Singles Sales Chart and reached number 5 on the UK Independent Singles Chart. "Don't Delete the Kisses" (2017) achieved a peak of number 32 on the UK Singles Chart following the band's win. "Smile" (2021) charted at number 29 in the UK, marking one of their strongest commercial showings to date. From their 2025 album The Clearing, singles such as "Bloom Baby Bloom" (released 15 May) and "The Sofa" (11 July) garnered significant radio play, with "Bloom Baby Bloom" topping UK airplay charts upon release. By late 2025, Wolf Alice had amassed over 10 charting singles in the UK, several of which earned accolades for their music videos, including nominations at the UK Music Video Awards.
ReleaseTypeUK Peak PositionRelease DateLabel
BlushEP(Indie success)7 October 2013Chess Club
Creature SongsEP29 (Ind. Singles)26 May 2014
BrosSingle88 (Sales; Indies #5)2013/2015
Single3211 August 2017
Single294 June 2021
Bloom Baby BloomSingle(Airplay #1)15 May 2025Columbia

Awards and nominations

Mercury Prize

Wolf Alice received their first Mercury Prize nomination in 2015 for their debut album , which was shortlisted alongside acts including Florence + the Machine and . The album's recognition highlighted the band's early fusion of and alternative sounds, though they ultimately lost to Benjamin Clementine's At Least for Now. The band achieved greater success in 2018, winning the for their second album Visions of a Life, released in 2017. This victory, announced at a ceremony in , marked a significant milestone, with frontwoman accepting the award on behalf of the group and emphasizing its validation of their artistic risks. As winners, Wolf Alice received £25,000 in prize money and a custom trophy, which provided a substantial career boost by elevating their profile internationally and contributing to increased album sales and tour opportunities. The win positioned them as trailblazers among rock acts in the prize's history, which has often favored diverse genres but recognized innovative guitar-based music less frequently. In 2021, Wolf Alice earned their third nomination for Blue Weekend, their expansive third album that explored themes of relationships and introspection through lush production. Shortlisted with artists like Black Country, New Road and Celeste, the album was praised for its emotional depth but did not secure the win, which went to Arlo Parks for Collapsed in Sunbeams. Wolf Alice made history in 2025 by becoming the first act to receive four Mercury Prize nominations, with their fourth album The Clearing shortlisted in September. The nomination underscored their consistent critical acclaim across all studio releases, reinforcing their status as enduring innovators in British rock. However, at the October ceremony, they were outperformed by Sam Fender's People Watching, which took the prize for its melody-rich heartland rock. This series of nods highlights Wolf Alice's trailblazing role for rock bands in the Mercury Prize's 34-year legacy, where guitar-driven acts have historically been underrepresented compared to electronic, hip-hop, and pop entries.

Other awards

Wolf Alice has garnered significant recognition beyond the Mercury Prize, particularly within the , where they have dominated nominations and wins across major ceremonies. In 2022, the band won the , marking their first victory at the ceremony after previous nominations, including for British Group in 2018 and British Breakthrough Act in 2016. They were also nominated for the Brit Award for Best Act in 2022, highlighting their enduring influence in the rock genre. Earlier accolades include two wins at the 2016 : Best Track for "Giant Peach" and Best Live Band, underscoring their early impact on live performances and songwriting. Internationally, Wolf Alice received a Grammy nomination in 2016 for Best Rock Performance for "Moaning Lisa Smile" from their debut album . They were also nominated for an Award in 2016 for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for "Bros," recognizing their songwriting prowess. By 2025, Wolf Alice had accumulated several wins across these and other UK-focused awards, reinforcing their status as a leading force in British alternative rock.

References

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