Lupercalia is the fifth studio album from the boy genius himself. It’s nice to see Wolf doing well (his stint supporting Arcade Fire didn’t hurt). Lady Gaga has even declared herself a fan. However, all this toning down the style to bring the substance to the fore has missed the point slightly. The style, in fact, constituted a lot of the substance and while the mature direction has it’s merits one cannot help but feel a certain longing for the Patrick Wolf of his debut, Lycanthropy.
Lycanthropy was twisted and brilliant. Lupercalia on the other hand has a lot of well-crafted songs but it all seems a bit too loved-up and aimed towards making Wolf palatable for the masses. The milkshake has left the yard and gone in search of the boys rather than the other way around. Bring back the artist who wrote ‘Child Catcher’ and leave the ballads to Rufus Wainwright. It’s not a bad album by any means but a man of his potential has more to offer.
Bermondsey Street is a song that echoes of Springsteen. The City is similarly broad in its appeal. Wolf has declared that the song is representative of his current blissful newly-engaged status. William is one track which is reminiscent of the old-Wolf. Alas, at only fifty seconds long, it is merely a tease. One of the finest songs on the album is Slow Motion. It shows how brilliant he can be when he wants to be and Together hammers that message home.
The songs are well-constructed, but the album is disappointing. Wolf could have done so much more with it. It’s as though he only realised the potential towards the end. The album is a safe bet as Wolf’s breakthrough into mainstream pop. The optimistic lyrics aimed at alleviating the despair caused by the current economic difficulties are commendable. Overall a good album, but next time Mr Wolf, bring the edge.
By Gillian Middleton.
Track listing:
01. The City
02. House
03. Bermondsey Street
04. The Future
05. Armistice
06. William
07. Time of My Life
08. The Days
09. Slow Motion
10. Together
11. The Falcons
