Wolf's Law
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 74/100[1] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| A.V. Club | A- link |
| Absolute Punk | 8/10 link |
| Associated Press | favorable link |
| BBC | favorable link |
| Consequence of Sound |   link |
| Digital Spy | link |
| Drowned In Sound | 6/10 link |
| Filter | 80% link |
| The Fly |  link |
| The Guardian | link |
| Metro | link |
| Newsday | B+ link |
| Pitchfork | 7.2 link |
| PopMatters |   link |
| Punknews.org | link |
| Rolling Stone | link |
| Slant Magazine | link |
| Spin | 7/10 link |
This article is about the album by The Joy Formidable. For the medical theory, see Wolff's law.
Wolf's Law is the second full length studio album from Welsh alternative rock band The Joy Formidable. The album was released on January 21, 2013 in the UK and on January 22, 2013 in the US through Atlantic Records.[2]
Writing and recording
Writing for Wolf's Law was primarily done on the road during the twelve month period the band toured in support of their previous record, The Big Roar.[3] Commenting on the writing process for the album, band guitarist and lead vocalist Ritzy Bryan explained that the songs for the album were approached with vocals and one accompaniment (either guitar or piano) before being built upon, stating "It's all about the lyrics, the voice and the melody".[4] The vocals and guitars were recorded in January of 2012 in Maine, while drums and additional orchestral and choir pieces for the record were scored and recorded by the band in February 2012 in London.[5] Mixing duties for the record were handled by Andy Wallace while the records production was completed by the band.[6] Thirteen songs were recorded during these sessions.[6]
Theme
The album title is a reference to Wolff's law, a scientific theory by Julius Wolff which posits that bones may become stronger in response to stress as a form of adaptation. According to Bryan, this relates to one of the major themes of the album which is "relationships on the mend and feeling reinvigorated", continuing that the album feels like the band reconnecting with themselves emotionally and spiritually.[7][6] The album was also said to have been partially influenced by nature, social issues, and Native American mythology.[5] "The Leopard and the Lung" was said to have been inspired by activist Wangari Maathai.[6]
Release and promotion
Three music videos were released to promote the album. The first video to be released was for the albums hidden track titled "Wolf's Law". The song was made available for free download by joining the band's email list.[8] Music videos for "Cholla" and "This Ladder Is Ours" were also released respectively. The album was eventually made available for streaming through Rolling Stone on January 16, 2013.[9] On January 22, 2013, Wolf's Law was made available in c.d., digital download, and limited edition vinyl worldwide through Atlantic Records.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "This Ladder Is Ours" | 5:11 |
| 2. | "Cholla" | 3:23 |
| 3. | "Tendons" | 4:19 |
| 4. | "Little Blimp" | 2:52 |
| 5. | "Bats" | 3:48 |
| 6. | "Silent Treatment" | 3:39 |
| 7. | "Maw Maw Song" | 6:47 |
| 8. | "Forest Serenade" | 4:22 |
| 9. | "The Leopard and the Lung" | 6:00 |
| 10. | "The Hurdle" | 3:59 |
| 11. | "The Turnaround" (includes hidden track, "Wolf's Law") | 9:32 |
| Total length: | 52:52 | |
Personnel
The Joy Formidable
- Ritzy Bryan – composer, guitar, vocals
- Rhydian Dafydd Davies – bass, composer, vocals
- Matt Thomas – drums
Recording Personnel
Additional Personnel
- Martin Wittfooth - album artwork
References
- ^ "Critic Reviews for Wolf's Law - Metacritic". Metacritic. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ Sam Weiss (November 8, 2012). "The Joy Formidable Detail 'Wolf's Law', Debut "This Ladder Is Ours" Video". Prefix. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
- ^ Olly Douglas (November 7, 2012). "Interview: The Joy Formidable". Muso's Guide. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ^ Gary K. (January 10, 2013). "The Joy Formidable interview". The Digital Fix. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ^ a b Tom Lanham (November 23, 2012). "The PV Q&A: The Joy Formidable's Ritzy Bryan Talks Wolf's Law +The Flaws of Corporate Greed". PureVolume. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Jeff Yerger (May 4, 2012). "The Joy Formidable Need A Quiet Space to Make a Big Noise". Spin. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ^ The Joy Formidable (December 27, 2012). "Ritzy on the title "Wolf's Law"". Facebook. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ^ Corban Goble (August 23, 2012). "The Joy Formidable – "Wolf's Law" Video". Stereogum. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
- ^ "The Joy Formidable Reach for Rock Heights on 'Wolf's Law' – Album Premiere". Rolling Stone. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2013.