If there is any one apparent thing about British musician Patrick Wolf, it’s that he is dramatic. From his clothes to his music he’s a showman and very different from mainstream artists. This has become more apparent through every one of his albums.
His fourth, “The Bachelor” came out June 1 and sparked even more interest because he released it off of his own record label, Bloody Chamber Music. The worry was that his music would be too over the top now that he had total freedom, but it turns out he knows how to keep himself under control without losing his theatrical flair.
Wolf shows how personal his lyrics are and his constant personal struggle in his song “Blackdown”. This song is accompanied by his beautiful piano playing that adds to the emotion in his voice as he discusses how he needs to face the fact he must become a man and is looking back at all the things he did when he was younger. There is a dark feel to it but then there is hope.
The song speeds up with hand claps and a much brighter and all around jauntier tune as he sings, “Desire, desire deep down inside of me you are not the maker nor the master of me help me to better support my family to better, better of a brother be”.
“Oblivion” is one of the songs that have a girl speaking, giving Wolf guidance. This song also has his trademark electronic sound as well as his amazing ability to change his voice to show different characters and their feelings.
There is a battle going on in the song that he is involved and he asks, “Father, where’s my gun, I need no one, I need no one”. The father replies, “Oh my stubborn son, just said you need no one. Don’t you see danger, danger, danger, heading to oblivion”. However, Wolf is pushed on into oblivion by the woman.
“Battle” is an explosion cymbals and grungy guitar with Wolf calling his listeners to join the tribe and battle a series of things such as homophobes, Conservatives, and for equal rights. Backup singers shout “tribe” while he says, “battle means victory”. There is a frenzy feeling to this song as he continues to call everyone forward to change the world and the “tribe” in the background continues to shout “battle”. This song gets you pumped, but edges into mob hysterics.
Patrick Wolf certainly isn’t for everybody. What is impressive is how personal and passionate he is and that his ability to get every emotion across with the use of the instruments and his vocals; it easily borders on over the top. This album is a lot more listener friendly than his others so is a good start for anyone interested. For a sample, check out myspace.com/officialpatrickwolf.
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