Daydreams and wishes are wonderful things in life, as they are the sometimes the only way that you get what you want. For Mr Patrick Wolf, his childhood fantasies probably involved the collaboration of the David Bowie and The Finn Brothers, only he has the skill, broadness and vision to put it into practice. ‘Overture’ and the title track reach his rainbow with warmth and a hint of reflection, leaving plenty of space and time for some scattering, ambient range via the creeping ‘Bluebell’. Members of the Symphony Orchestra Of Vienna and Edward Larrikin (Larrikin Love), guest on this album to contribute towards the brassy thrusts and swooning spice that is on display. Now on his third album, Wolf really let’s loose for his major label debut. A theatrical vice grips on to ‘X’, showing the artist’s renewed vigour and adventure in a chilling light.
It is not difficult to see why Patrick has been personally and individually selected to support The Arcade Fire on their current tour, as his adventure and emotion matches theirs perfectly. This is scattered with the frivolity of current plaything Mika, especially prevalent in ‘Get Lost’ and the orchestral backing opens out impressively. The trickling piano ode, ‘Enchanting’ puts tenderness on the shelve at a knock down price and you get calming poetic lyrics thrown in for free, to seal the deal. The independent song writer is not going to be upstaged this year, especially if this thoughtful and sincere character has anything to do with it.
