With the world in a global pandemic and lockdown, I have started venturing out of my usual playlist... here's what I've discovered so far:
Wolf Alice - My Love Is Cool
Personally, I have never gravitated towards this band but since having an abundance of time, I have really been able to appreciate their unique sound and quite frankly I'm amazed. The eerie opening of 'Turn to Dust' with an ominous shadow of guitar is beautifully complimented by front woman Ellie's incredibly controlled tone that sent shivers down my spine upon first listen. Following the enigmatic ending of the first track, the pace gradually picks up and the instrumental control of the band really begins to shine through. When this is combined with songs such as 'You're a Germ' and 'Silk', their musicianship proves to be second to none: the development and perfect control of both the vocals and instruments creates a world of thought and amazement for the listener. Throughout the album are twists and turns of Ellie's vocal range which resonate with the overall control and range the band portray.
From start to finish, this album is unique in style with hints of varying emotions to pull on every possible string: the subtle and elegant final track 'The Wonderwhy' rounds off the album with a similar sense of enigma produced by 'Turn to Dust'. The whole album takes the listener on a journey: an unpredictable ride knowing only that in the moment they are completely captivated.
I really felt as though the enigmatic ending of 'The Wonderwhy' appeared to be hinting at a whole new array of undiscovered songs: this was proven to be true when listening to the deluxe edition. 'Moaning Lisa Smile' began this new section with a bang: this along with the 13 other tracks deserves to be on an album, not just as a bonus track. Once again, there is such a perfect balance on these extra songs of different ambience but with a slightly exaggerated tenderness. 'Baby Ain't Made of China' and 'Leaving You' are two examples of the rawness and honesty appearing within the extra songs, but perfectly complemented by the very different feels of the likes of 'She'.
Personally, the tracks that really stood out for me were 'Lisbon', 'Freazy' and 'Silk':
'Lisbon', although one of the most upbeat tracks on the album, appears to have an underlying twang of sadness: a combination which is addictive but provokes an array of emotions depending on my mood before listening to the song. It has been rotating round my head like a ferris wheel I cannot get off for the last few days but I wouldn't want it any other way. 'Freazy' has been another one of these ferris wheel songs for me and what more can I say apart from what a beauty of a track. 'Silk' fascinated me when I first heard it: it acts almost as a bit of an interlude mid album yet still manages to keep the pace and atmosphere constant.
Overall, I am quite frankly astonished by the sheer beauty of both editions of this album. As I said, I have never been a massive fan of Wolf Alice, but since having time to listen and absorb, I am honestly amazed to their talent, Ellie's vocal range and the control they possess as a band.
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