Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
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Track:The Magic Postion
While there are many words you can use to describe south London troubadour Patrick Wolf, “normal” certainly isn’t one of them. Accomplished in over 16 instruments, ranging from the eccentric Appalachian Dulcimer to the rather mundane guitar, he has been living off his music since the age of 16, busking around Europe before finding fame with 2003’s Lycanthropy. Falling under the unhelpfully titled “folktronica” genre, Wolf’s songs are closer to opera than pop music. Wonderfully intertwining orchestral arrangements and bittersweet lyrics that never fail to tell a tale, Wolf’s writing turns every song into a mesmerising journey. The Magic Postion is by no means a disappointment to any Wolf fan. Opening track Overture is as impressive a starting point as the name suggests. Violins, percussion and lyrics are laced into a stunning piece of introspection, with Wolf reflecting on the struggles he has faced during his lifetime, from playground bullies to former lovers. The title track which follows is one of the sweetest, most joyful love songs I have ever heard as Wolf’s vocals soar in praise of heartfelt love. Accident and Emergency (with guest appearance from Edward Larrikin) brings the joy of the title track down to rack ruin, but with Wolf’s typical positive twist (o what happens when you lose everything?/You just carry on and with a grin). The Bluebells is a doleful piano-led tribute to isolation, while the confusingly named Bluebell which follows is a Velvet Underground referencing homage to bittersweet love that comes too late to save the protagonist from his own demons. Bluebell also includes what is probably the only use of fireworks as an instrument. Magpie (featuring Marianne Faithful) continues the downtrodden trend followed by the instrumental The Kiss. Augustine sees Wolf move into full on ballad mode (the proper meaning of ballad) with an epic flourish, which continues through to the end of the album. The LP closes with a Finale which is equally classical as the Overture and far smoother than any Exitlude The Killers may attempt. Wolf is precociously talented at both writing and performing music. These multi-layered tracks pull at the imagination, while the lyrics tug at the heart. Whether in self-examination or storytelling mode every word is perfectly chosen and placed. The upbeat tracks (which are more prominent and numerous than previous outings) will raise anyone’s spirits, while even the slower tracks remain danceable. The contrast of uplifting beats and dark lyrics make each outstandingly striking. This album stands out like the a medieval cathedral, it is impressive without being overbearing, complex with being complicated, expansive without exaggeration. The Magic Position stands as a beautiful piece of music and will surely become a timeless album.
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