Review

Patrick Wolf’s first release since his split from Universal, The Bachelor is a richly textured and intensely cathartic experience. Gone is the poppier, cheerier Wolf of The Magic Position; in his stead comes a mature, introspective version, digging deep into the wounds of his flirtation with commercialism and emerging stronger as a result. A torrid fusion of dark, futuristic electro-pop and romantic, traditional folk, this album simmers with frustration, regret and, ultimately, hope. An eerie intro gives way to the propulsive strings and dramatic guitar flourishes of ‘Hard Times’; ‘Oblivion’ and ‘Count Of Casualty’ visit grubby electronica recalling Bright Eyes circa Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, while ‘Vulture’ pounds and skitters like an emotion-drenched Passion Pit. Folkier numbers like ‘Thickets’, ‘Blackdown’ and the title track work remarkably well, sharing a looping, hypnotic quality which adds to the album’s pulsing, rhythmic feel. Redemption comes in the form of stirring closer ‘The Messenger’, which finds Wolf returning home, settling down and finding love. Musically complex and emotionally raw, The Bachelor is honest, exhausting yet utterly spellbinding. Miss it at your peril. Lee Gorman

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DOWNLOAD: ‘VULTURE’, ‘THE BACHELOR’, ‘HARD TIMES’.
FOR FANS OF: DAVID BOWIE, BRIGHT EYES, THE ARCADE FIRE.

Posted on: 27th January 2010

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