Wolf'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. 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. 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". In regards to the writing process the band operate on, guitarist Rhydian Dafydd explained to Chris PJ Martin of The Underclassed, "We always write what's close to our hearts. Every lyric on this album means something - the same as the last record." The vocals and guitars were recorded in January 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. Mixing duties for the record were handled by Andy Wallace while the records production was completed by the band. Thirteen songs were recorded during these sessions. 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. 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.