Wolf's Law | ||||
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Album cover art by Martin Wittfooth
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Studio album by The Joy Formidable | ||||
Released | January 21, 2013 (UK) January 22, 2013 (US) |
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Recorded | North Wales, London and Sebago Lake, Maine | |||
Genre | Alternative rock, shoegazing, dream pop | |||
Length | 52:52 | |||
Label | Atlantic | |||
Producer | The Joy Formidable | |||
The Joy Formidable chronology | ||||
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Singles from Wolf's Law | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Aggregate scores | |
Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 73/100 |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
Allmusic | |
BBC | favorable |
Consequence of Sound | |
Drowned in Sound | 6/10 |
Filter | 80% |
The Guardian | |
NME | 6/10 |
Pitchfork | 7.2 |
Rolling Stone | |
Slant Magazine | |
Spin | 7/10 |
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, on Atlantic Records.
Writing for Wolf's Law was primarily done on the road during the 12-month period that the band toured in support of their previous record, The Big Roar. Commenting on the writing process for the album, 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". In regards to the band's writing process, bassist Rhydian Dafydd explained, "We always write what's close to our hearts. Every lyric on this album means something - the same as the last record". The album was recorded in various places, with vocals and guitars recorded in January 2012 in Sebago Lake, Maine, while drums and additional orchestral and choir pieces for the record were scored and recorded by the band in February 2012 in London. A total of 13 songs were recorded, of which 11 were included on the final album; the extra song, "A Minute's Silence", was issued as a limited edition 12" single on 20 April 2013 for Record Store Day.Mixing duties for the record were handled by Andy Wallace while the record's production was completed by the band.
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", and she said that the album feels like the band reconnecting with themselves emotionally and spiritually. The album was also said to have been partially influenced by nature, social issues and Native American mythology. "The Leopard and the Lung" was said to have been inspired by activist Wangari Maathai.