So, I first heard about Patrick Wolf when I was living in London, of course. This little Irish musical know-it-all never really made a splash in the States, but at the time he was the up-and-coming boy wonder of the British music scene; he played multiple instruments, wrote his own music and had a style and attitude that was all his own; plus he was queer, which cemented my interest in this fascinating youngster. Unfortunately, all boy wonders must fall and it seems like Mr. Wolf became a victim of his own talent and success...narcissism, naivety and substance abuse set in and this up-and-comer seemed to switch gears to a down-and-outer.
It's been a few years since Patrick Wolf had even entered my conciseness, that is until the Glastonbury Festival this year. I noticed he was playing in one of the smaller tents so I thought it would be fun to check on his current status. Happy to report it was a great set! He's such an interesting, Morrisseyesque songstress with a haunting voice and unique presence. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and was happy to see that he had grown-up, evolved and sort of evened out while still keeping the essence that makes him special.
You can imagine what a welcome surprise it was to find out that he was releasing a new album, Lupercalia, this year, his first since 2009. I quickly snatched up a copy and I must admit I have not stopped listing to is since. It's beautiful! I love when an album coincides with your current state of mind so perfectly that it just fills a void! The album is honest, raw and true to who Patrick Wolf was and is. It's introspective yet uplifting, sad yet hopeful...and most of all it's honest. Can you tell I love it?
I'm so happy to see that he was able to put all the immature nonsense of his youth behind him and share his true musical talents with the world again.
Not sure if he will ever make it across the pond, but I'm so happy to have rediscovered him and his new album.
You go, girl...and thank you!
