Patrick Wolf- The Magic Position
Through his previous two albums Patrick Wolf has managed to establish himself as an almost cult figure within music. Exploring the darker areas of child abuse and alter egos over violins mashed with drum loops it came as quite a shock to find Wolf's new single wrapped in a flux of disco beats and brass arrangements. Along with the additionally loud artwork (see here) and the persistence of Edward Larkin's "Emerrgenncyy!" It appears Wolf hasn’t done himself any favours by taking a more elated view to his music. Yet as you explore The Magic Position deeper it shows this album is not as ecstatic as it initially seems.
As 'Overture' begins with the pounding of kettle drums and dark twisted violin melodies it juxtaposes its sugary pop follower, 'The Magic Position'. This, depending on the listener’s personal preference is either the highlight or low point on the record as Wolf pulls out all the stops to create his first disco track. With the fast uprising scales of the strings bursting into the joyous percussion, as Wolf sings "You put me in the magic position, darlin" it is one of few purely innocent tracks on the album. Also having always played to a woeful tune you can almost hear Wolf's excitement as he remarks "I'm singing in the major key" while ending on such a twinkle that makes 'Accident and Emergency' appear its darker partner.
Yet, with the exception of 'Get Lost' from here onwards the album does take a darker route. 'Bluebells' refers back to Lycanthropy through Wolf's fictional storytelling, and while encompassing fireworks into the arrangement it's everything you could ever want from the artist. There are low points however, as Marianne Faithful guests on 'Magpie' the song is a little dry, only lifted by Wolf's swooping piano and 'Enchanted' is easily dispensable. Yet as the powerful pop song 'Get Lost' jumps over the synthesized rhythm it shows Patrick Wolf can do anything if he puts his mind to it, and as the record ends on 'The Stars' before fading into 'Finale' Wolf sounds genuinely fascinated as he sings "Look up, Look up, the stars!" Over a violin and drum machine.
As 'Overture' begins with the pounding of kettle drums and dark twisted violin melodies it juxtaposes its sugary pop follower, 'The Magic Position'. This, depending on the listener’s personal preference is either the highlight or low point on the record as Wolf pulls out all the stops to create his first disco track. With the fast uprising scales of the strings bursting into the joyous percussion, as Wolf sings "You put me in the magic position, darlin" it is one of few purely innocent tracks on the album. Also having always played to a woeful tune you can almost hear Wolf's excitement as he remarks "I'm singing in the major key" while ending on such a twinkle that makes 'Accident and Emergency' appear its darker partner.
Yet, with the exception of 'Get Lost' from here onwards the album does take a darker route. 'Bluebells' refers back to Lycanthropy through Wolf's fictional storytelling, and while encompassing fireworks into the arrangement it's everything you could ever want from the artist. There are low points however, as Marianne Faithful guests on 'Magpie' the song is a little dry, only lifted by Wolf's swooping piano and 'Enchanted' is easily dispensable. Yet as the powerful pop song 'Get Lost' jumps over the synthesized rhythm it shows Patrick Wolf can do anything if he puts his mind to it, and as the record ends on 'The Stars' before fading into 'Finale' Wolf sounds genuinely fascinated as he sings "Look up, Look up, the stars!" Over a violin and drum machine. However, while The Magic Position is awash with vibrant sounds and melodies, there are dark undercurrents to most of Wolf's work. In ‘Accident and Emergency’ he exclaims "What happens when you lose everything? You just carry on and with a grin, sing!" making some to believe this record is the outcome of depression, while others think this is Wolf’s most autobiographical album to date.
But in many ways it's understandable why some fans are not enjoying the more upbeat Wolf. With The Magic Position starting the singer’s deal on a major label the obvious large promotion for this album has come hand in hand with the artist's more accessible sound, but also as this album takes a happier route, it is impossible not to be swept along for the ride.
The Magic Position is out now.
For live videos see BBC Collective
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