Wolf Alice Release New Song Gospel Oak and Announce Finsbury Park Stage Times
Wolf Alice will release three B-sides from their album The Clearing, starting with the track “Gospel Oak,” ahead of their homecoming show at Finsbury Park this Sunday, July 5.
The Strategy Behind the B-Side Rollout
The release of “Gospel Oak” marks the beginning of a staggered digital rollout for three tracks recorded during the sessions for The Clearing. Following the lead single, “Hammond Song” and “Hit The Sky” will arrive on streaming platforms in the coming weeks, culminating in a physical 7” vinyl release on August 21. This date is timed to the first anniversary of The Clearing.
For a band that has been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for all of their first four albums, the decision to package these tracks as a supplemental release serves to extend the life of these songs. The band stated: “These are a few songs we made during ‘The Clearing’ that didn’t make it on the final record, but are ones we love very much, including a cover with two of our fave singers Julia Cumming and Bria Salmena – we’re happy to have found a home for them for you to hear. Enjoy.”
According to frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, the tracks were inspired by folk songs and songs “we all learn at school.” The studio version of “Hammond Song,” a cover of The Roches’ 1979 song, is expected to feature Sunflower Bean’s Julia Cumming and Toronto artist Bria Salmena.
Logistics of the Finsbury Park Homecoming
Wolf Alice’s homecoming show at Finsbury Park is this Sunday (July 5). The band is set to headline from 7:50 PM, preceded by a lineup that includes The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, Rachel Chinouriri, Keo, and Florence Road. Gates for the event open at 12:00 PM.
The show is the final night in a run of Finsbury Park gigs. Biffy Clyro will headline the park on Friday (July 3), and Kasabian will top the bill on Saturday (July 4).
Building Cultural Capital Through Live Performance
The transition from the Royal Albert Hall—where the band performed these tracks earlier this year—to Finsbury Park highlights the band’s work. The live debut of “Hit The Sky” and the emotional performance of “Gospel Oak” at the Teenage Cancer Trust series served as a proving ground for these songs before their official release.
The band’s recognition includes their win for Group Of The Year at the 2026 BRIT Awards. During that ceremony, Rowsell used the band’s acceptance speech to call for more support for grassroots music venues. As the band prepares for the North American leg of the ‘Unraveled Tour’ supporting Olivia Rodrigo, they continue to build on the success of The Clearing, which received a five-star review from NME.
The Business of Sustained Success
As Wolf Alice continues to evolve, their ability to navigate their career will be just as critical as their musical output. Whether it is through the release of B-sides or the planning of a headline festival set, the band’s output remains a focus.
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