Wolf Alice – My Love Is Cool
Dirty Hit Recordings
London quartet gives us the debut album we’ve been waiting for… this decade
My Love is Cool is the newest LP by Wolf Alice, an alt-rock band from North London. Releasing their first studio production back in 2013, they quickly turned heads and attracted attention. The grunge pop rock compilation is like a blend of The xx, Nirvana, and The Pixies, siphoning something very unique and reminiscent.
Turn to Dust opens to dreamy guitars plucks and simple heart beat tempo. The lead vocalist, Ellie Rowsell sings elegantly like she’s whispering an opera. Her voice is multi-layered, echoing through itself as she says, “Keep your beady eyes one me, to make sure I don’t turn to dust.” Your Loves Whore expresses the rock side of Wolf Alice; scratchy grunge guitar and leading bass. It speaks of a deep everlasting compassion between individuals, “And when we grow older, we’ll still be friends. We’ll still be lovers. And we’ll fear the end…”
Bros has a subtle male backup and an awesome tonal switch halfway through that resembles something from 90’s rock. It’s a relaxing with its reverb and beautiful female direction. The video shows the softer side of the band. You follow two young friends as you see them bond over simplistic activities.
You’re A Germ is Pixies-esque with it’s sick drums and humming chorus. It rises and falls for moments ready to burst into shouting only to shrivel back to steady calm. There’s a bit of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in the end.
Fluffy is the edgy style they bring around with them in the rest of their songs. In the video, they walk around throwing their hair back, wearing black leather jackets and carrying hammers, ready to smash their way through life. But it starts innocently as she proclaims the song is dedicated to her cat. “I’d sell you my soul, just to get me somewhere.”
Wolf Alice’s My Love Is Cool is a calm temperamental journey that’s enjoyable and relaxing. It seems to connect with deeper intense emotions that lean towards observable sentimentality. It’s on the precipice of punk, without giving itself up to the movement. Pop on the head phones and reflect on summer days, youthful hazes, and mischievous catharsis. It’s fantastic and fun. The lyrics and style are thoughtfully paired and craftily built.