Wolf Alice released their fourth studio album The Clearing on August 22, and just a week later the record is already dividing opinion among fans and critics. While some are celebrating the band’s shift into polished, pop-leaning territory, others are mourning the loss of the raw intensity that once defined them.
Across social platforms like Reddit, fans are sharing mixed impressions. Many say the record starts strong but loses focus in the middle, while songs like “White Horse” and “The Sofa” are being praised as standouts that bring back some of the band’s spark. Others describe the album as a calm, reflective project, appreciating the maturity in its lyrics and mood even if it feels softer than their earlier work.
The critical response mirrors that divide. Pitchfork described the album as “a shade too polished,” noting that the sharp edges that once gave Wolf Alice their bite have been softened. In contrast, The Times awarded it four stars, praising its blend of glam and dream pop and comparing its confident sweep to the likes of Blondie and Kate Bush.
What’s clear is that The Clearing has become one of the most talked-about indie pop releases of the summer. For some listeners, it’s a bold evolution into maturity; for others, it’s a step too far into glossy production. Either way, the album has sparked a lively debate and kept Wolf Alice firmly in the spotlight.