Indra Aziz
Wynona Bleach have unveiled their highly anticipated second album, "Animal Style," a potent collection that signals a deliberate return to the core of their visceral alt-rock sound. The Belfast-based quartet, known for their electrifying live performances and a debut album that garnered significant attention, has spent the past year meticulously crafting this new body of work. "Animal Style" is now available in its entirety, offering fans a deep dive into the band’s evolved sonic landscape.
A New Chapter for Wynona Bleach
Following the release of their imposing debut album, "Moonsoake," in 2022, Wynona Bleach embarked on an extensive touring schedule. These live shows were instrumental in solidifying their presence within the alt-rock scene, allowing them to connect directly with an ever-growing fanbase. During this period, the band infused their established rock foundation with a series of "visceral new ideas," suggesting a creative evolution that was already underway.
The decision to step back into the studio last year was a strategic one, aimed at recalibrating and channeling these emergent influences into a cohesive new project. This period of focused creation has culminated in "Animal Style," an album that the band describes as a return to their "basic loves." Their own guitarist, Jonny Woods, took the helm as producer, a role he also fulfilled on "Moonsoake." This continuity in production offers a sense of familiar guidance, while the involvement of seasoned engineers Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh adds a layer of professional polish and diverse sonic expertise. Bradfield’s impressive resume includes work with groundbreaking artists such as Björk, The XX, and Manic Street Preachers, while Mackintosh has contributed to projects by Bryan Adams and Marillion, indicating a broad spectrum of influences that could have informed the album’s final sound.
The Singles Pave the Way
The release of "Animal Style" was preceded by a series of impactful singles that served as compelling previews of the album’s direction. "Not Cool With It" set an early tone with its biting lyricism and aggressive instrumentation. This was followed by the soaring anthem "Religion," which showcased the band’s ability to craft expansive and emotionally resonant tracks. Most recently, the gently anthemic "Be Positive" offered a further glimpse into the album’s thematic and sonic explorations, sketching out the boundaries of this new era for Wynona Bleach. These individual releases not only built anticipation but also provided listeners with a clear indication of the band’s renewed focus on raw, guitar-driven energy.
"Animal Style": A Return to Form and Future Ambition
The album’s title, "Animal Style," immediately suggests a primal, instinctual approach to music-making. This is further elaborated by the band’s own statement, which highlights a desire for "simplicity" and allowing "each track to speak to its fullest potential." The band explains, "Animal Style is a return to the band’s basic loves – a more guitar-focused record, with less guitars. It’s about instinct and energy, trusting the songs and playing them like we do live." This seemingly paradoxical statement – "more guitar-focused, with less guitars" – speaks to a sophisticated understanding of sonic arrangement. It implies a strategic deployment of guitar textures and power, focusing on impact and essential melodic lines rather than sheer volume or density. The emphasis on playing "like we do live" is particularly significant, as Wynona Bleach has cultivated a reputation for their dynamic and captivating stage presence. This suggests that "Animal Style" aims to capture that raw, unadulterated energy in a studio setting.
The core of "Animal Style" is described as "crisp, muscular rock music, each song is written with passion and power." This reiterates the band’s commitment to delivering a potent and direct listening experience. By honing in on their songwriting and prioritizing simplicity, Wynona Bleach seeks to ensure that each composition possesses an inherent strength and clarity. The album’s narrative appears to be one of rediscovery and reaffirmation, a conscious effort to reconnect with the fundamental elements that define their identity as a band.
Contextualizing the Release: A Timeline of Evolution
The journey to "Animal Style" can be traced back to the band’s inception and the foundational success of "Moonsoake."
- 2022: Wynona Bleach release their debut album, "Moonsoake." The album is met with positive reception, establishing the band as a noteworthy act in the Northern Irish and broader UK alt-rock scene. This is followed by a period of extensive touring, building a significant live following.
- Early 2023: The band embarks on a period of recalibration and creative development. This phase involves introspection and the exploration of new sonic directions, informed by their live experiences and evolving artistic sensibilities.
- Late 2023 – Early 2024: Wynona Bleach re-enters the studio to record their second album. Jonny Woods takes on the producer role, collaborating with Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh. This period is characterized by focused songwriting and meticulous production.
- Early 2024: The band strategically releases a series of singles – "Not Cool With It," "Religion," and "Be Positive" – to build anticipation for the full album and offer tangible examples of their new sound.
- [Current Date]: "Animal Style" is released in full, marking a significant milestone in Wynona Bleach’s discography.
This chronological overview highlights a deliberate and measured approach to artistic growth. The band has not rushed into a follow-up but instead allowed their sound and ideas to mature organically.
Supporting Data and Industry Context
The alt-rock genre, while perennially popular, often sees artists navigating a landscape that demands both sonic innovation and commercial viability. Wynona Bleach’s approach, characterized by a focus on authentic musicianship and raw energy, aligns with a segment of the industry that values substance over fleeting trends. The inclusion of established producers like Andy Bradfield and Avril Mackintosh suggests an ambition to reach a wider audience without compromising their artistic integrity. Bradfield’s work with artists like Björk and The XX indicates an ability to foster unique and critically acclaimed sounds, while Mackintosh’s experience with more mainstream acts like Bryan Adams could provide insights into effective song structure and sonic accessibility.
The band’s emphasis on "simplicity" and "instinct" in their songwriting process is a recurring theme in contemporary music discourse. Many established artists find renewed creative impetus by stripping back production and focusing on the core of their musical ideas. This can lead to a more immediate and impactful listening experience, resonating with audiences who appreciate authenticity. The success of "Animal Style" will likely be measured not only by chart performance but also by its critical reception and its ability to further solidify Wynona Bleach’s reputation as a compelling live act and a band with a clear artistic vision.
Potential Reactions and Broader Implications
While official statements from related parties have not been released beyond the band’s own commentary, the album’s release is likely to be met with significant interest from their existing fanbase and the wider music press. Music critics who have followed the band since their debut will be keen to assess the evolution of their sound and the impact of their renewed focus on guitar-centric rock.
The success of "Animal Style" could have several implications for Wynona Bleach. Firstly, it has the potential to attract new listeners who may have been introduced to the band through the singles or through positive word-of-mouth. Secondly, by returning to a more direct and muscular sound, the band may strengthen their appeal within the live music circuit, where their energetic performances are a key asset. Furthermore, a critically acclaimed album could open doors to larger festivals and more prominent support slots, further expanding their reach.
In a music industry often characterized by rapid change and shifting trends, Wynona Bleach’s commitment to a discernible artistic identity and a focus on the fundamental elements of rock music offers a compelling narrative. "Animal Style" represents not just a new collection of songs, but a confident statement of purpose from a band that is clearly charting its own course with passion and precision. The album is now available for listeners to experience, inviting them to immerse themselves in the raw, unadulterated energy that defines Wynona Bleach’s latest offering.
Photo Credit: Anna Burnett
