Patrick Wolf is probably not a name that would be listed in response to being asked to name some of the finest singers of the modern era. But in my opinion, he should. Listen to his wonderful new album Crying The Neck and you’ll have a better understanding of my declaration. At 41 years of age, Patrick Wolf has endured addiction and bankruptcy and fell in and out of love with creating his unique brand of music. The death of his mother added to the emotional weight that manifests itself in this heartfelt record. It’s not a gloomy affair though, as there’s also a heavy influence of the East Kentish landscape.
This album is the first of a planned four album series and was recorded at Patrick’s home studio, with his two cats. One of whom would leave the room the moment Patrick would begin to sing! Clearly not a fan, the foolish feline. It’s remarkable that Patrick has written, composed, produced and arranged all the lavish strings you hear, himself. As well as the four-album suite, there’s going to be a film released about his life later this year.
The album opens with the engaging ‘Reculver’, which Patrick started to write when he was just 16. Swelling with grandiose strings there’s a nod to Celtic tones as Patrick soars effortlessly with a hopeful melody. Clattering drums underpin the smorgasbord of everything but the kitchen sink. It’s spectacular and sets you up for what lies ahead. The stunning ‘Limbo’ is a glorious duet with Zola Jesus. Zola’s lines are delivered with an incredible passion and elegance. The chorus is an all consuming and brilliant masterclass in melody. Swapping lines, the interchange between these two stunning vocalists is just sublime. The wee guitar twangs that punctuate the soaring gang vocals are just sumptuous. The stately ‘The Last Of England’ finds Patrick croon his way through a tender ballad full of mournful strings.
A sampled ‘Funky Drummer’ beat and swooning country guitars form the basis of the booming ‘Jupiter’ which builds into a grandiose sea of flowing strings. Since Patrick last fell under my radar the marvel that is Orville Peck has managed to be my go-to guy for spectacular crooning. Patrick comes close to sounding like the masked cowboy on the yearning ‘On Your Side’. An ‘Oozlum’ is a mythical bird known for flying backwards (I had to Google it) and that’s the title of choice for this gorgeous ode. Another sneaky sampled beat gets smothered in some truly enchanting strings as Patrick delights with a wondrous melody.
The multitracked voices that I term gang vocals feature a lot on this album and they provide an almost sea shanty like feel to the ultra-quirky ‘Dies Irae’. These backing vocals have been created with the help of Patrick’s sister Jo Apps. In the unlikely event of Patrick Wolf becoming a global superstar (your loss) this would be epic in a massive venue, everyone joining in on that humungous “Whoaaaaaaa!”.
There’s a trilogy of ballads beginning with ‘The Curfew Bell’ which is an earnest piano ballad that is a little at odds with the upbeat demeanour what has just gone before it. Guess Patrick just wanted a moment to let the listener gather breath such is the feral ferocity of the instrumentation elsewhere. There’s a wee nod to Morrissey as he stretches his vocals for the higher notes. ‘Lughnasa’ drops out any percussion for another duet, this time Patrick shares vocal duties in this plaintive and heartbreaking ballad. The album cover depicts a cornfield with a scythe resting. The ‘Song Of The Scythe’ is a haunting ballad where the instrumentation seems to be just chiming handbells. It’s most unusual and utterly unique.
After the trilogy of downbeat tunes Patrick reverts back to the BIG vibrant arrangements on the bombastic ‘Better Or Worse’. The sea is referenced again on the haunting ‘Hymn Of The Haar’. You can almost see the sea fog drifting in as the strings swoop and swarm around you. Patrick’s voice is rich and dances through the swirling mist. The song has a sombre tone, and it should as the song was created after Patrick had saw a drowned migrant boy wash up on the shore at a remote swimming and writing spot. Closing with the stunning ‘Foreland’ I try to think of another act that venture into such rich arrangements and themes, I can only think of The Decemberists. Tying in themes of land and sea, Patrick has created a truly unique sound here that is wondrously elegant and luxuriant.
Here we have an artist that has created a truly beguiling album that reaches far and wide with a vast cinematic feel. One of the finest singers of the modern generation, his rich croon glides effortlessly and these panoramic arrangements allow him to fill any voids with honeyed layers. This album is a really accomplished feat of studio brilliance and lovingly crafted melodies. Glorious.
