Despite being unfortunately underrated, Patrick Wolf has long been known for his romanticism, use of a variety of instruments and ability to produce a pretty flawless pop song. From the happy-go-lucky The Magic Position to the more experimental Accident and Emergency, Wolf never disappoints, progressing album by album.
Lupercalia opens with the 80s-esque This City. With ever-popular sax in tow, Wolf continues on the romanticism path, promising that he “won’t let this city destroy our love.” Love and sweeping orchestration, be it brass or string, provide the main features of the album, from This City, to “House,” through to the calm The Future echoing Wolf’s positive attitude towards love. Reluctant to be labelled ‘flamboyant,’ perhaps Wolf’s fifth full-length album will change this.
Although Bermondsey Street offers a more chilled-out vibe, his progression is still evident, feeling more atmospheric and grander than previous songs, whilst still maintaining the upbeat feeling that we’ve come to know and love. It’s this optimism that enhances Wolf’s work, aiding listeners through tough times and providing a soundtrack to the good times.
After the interlude of William, a return to the ideas of The Magic Position, which itself was fond off a short-track interlude, the album hits single Time of my Life. Strings abound, it’s an anthem not just for lovers, but for those going through hardship, with a chorus hook of “hold on, won’t be long.” Cementing the idea that Wolf’s work can help those in need of a boost, it’s at this halfway point in the album where things really seem to come together, as you can see that Wolf really has made an album that defines where he is at the moment. Wolf has made a complete piece of work.
On the otherside of the waltzing The Days, the divinely relaxing Slow Motion, a track that you can sink into and listen to for hours, and a second 80s-influenced, ‘dance-y,’ track Together, the album reaches its closer The Falcon. Ending on a high, positively shines through, with lyrics like “things are looking up for you, looking up for me, looking up for us,” perfectly summing up the album that Patrick Wolf has so skilfully created.
On the otherside of the waltzing The Days, the divinely relaxing Slow Motion, a track that you can sink into and listen to for hours, and a second 80s-influenced, ‘dance-y,’ track Together, the album reaches its closer The Falcon. Ending on a high, positively shines through, with lyrics like “things are looking up for you, looking up for me, looking up for us,” perfectly summing up the album that Patrick Wolf has so skilfully created.
Lupercalia is just another success to add to Wolf’s impressive back catalogue. If this doesn’t secure Wolf’s place as a near-perfect writer of pop songs, that I don’t know what will.
4/5
4/5
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