Patrick Wolf - 'The Magic Position' (Loog) Released 26/02/07

Where on his previous two efforts, 2003’s ‘Lycanthropy’ and 2005’s ‘Wind In The Wires‘, the impossibly young Patrick Wolf showed a glowing potential and flashes of brilliance, now ‘The Magic Position’ sees him chrysalise into the brilliant, near-genius artist he always threatened to be. Signed to a major label (Polydor offshoot Loog), the album is more full-bodied, accomplished and reflects the growing confidence of Wolf. Without us wishing to get carried away with ourselves, still in the first quarter of the year, we yet again have a work destined to appear in the lofty positions on those end of year polls.

Opener ‘Overture’ sets things up perfectly - abrasive, tribal drum beats making way for, and strongly juxtapose Wolf’s wonky, yet affecting violins and assured vocals. Whereas the opener is indicative of Wolf’s mature and direct sound, the majestic album title track sees him truly blossom. Spine-tingingly brilliant, it’s nothing short of joyous - with our red-haired narrator almost exulting “It’s you! Who puts me in the magic position.” This is almost the moment where Wolf rises above any torments that life has thrown at him and rejoices.

Unpredictable, ‘Accident and Emergency’ then opens with an electronic clatter before a mish-mash of fairground noises meld perfectly with the sonorous chorus - again the closing line of “Accident & Emergency, Bring out the best in me” reflecting the kind of head-space Wolf is in. However, don’t let this assuredness fool you. There are moments of sheer poignancy and fragility to be found on ‘The Magic Position.’ ‘Bluebells’ is stunning with its delicate pianos and Wolf’s tortured words shimmering along and almost being threatened to be blown away by the fireworks permeating the song.  Later, the haunting ‘X’ is nothing but a plaintive violin rattle, that leads into the piano-led opus of ‘Augustine’, all imbued with Wolf’s dramatic, yearning lyrics (“As I hold you to my bed, like a cancer or a curse, Now be my loving nurse”).

The album shows no signs of letting up as it progresses, indeed the only annoying factor is that in its forty minutes, it’s just too damn short. Wolf’s visionary outlook never wavers; the lyrics permanently astute, the music ever shifting and experimental. Following the heartfelt moment that is ‘Augustine’, this is then brilliantly shattered by the clamour of alarm bells and unsettling noise that is ‘Secret Garden’, only for him to unleash the album’s most upbeat moment - the loved-up ode ‘Get Lost.’ Reaching its climax, ‘Stars’ is written from an almost boyish perspective starring out at the universe with wide-eyed wonder, with electronic beats and an increasing urgency bringing more potency to the tune, while the operatic string-ladden ‘Finale’ leaves you craving more. A simply magical work that demands to be cherished.