Patrick Wolf has released a new EP, Brumalia. A quote on his website states that the choice of songs on this EP was inspired by the "bleakness and melancholy of England in the winter months". I'm not sure which part of England he is thinking about, but if I created a concept album on my winter experiences, it would be full of songs reminiscent of walks to starbucks, colds, itchy scarves and getting overexcited about 1cm of snow then complaining about it after a few hours. But of course, this is Patrick Wolf, and he obviously manages to present even wintry England in a romantic way.
A highlight is Jerusalem, an unexpected adaptation of the words of William Blake. Sitting, rather awkwardly, between a song about the summer riots and the festive Time of Year (it doesn't actually mention Christmas but it's still a song about it), a piano is all that is needed to accompany Patrick Wolf's impressive voice to create a song that is dramatic, haunting and beautiful. The aforementioned song about the riots in the summer, Nemoralia, despite being strangely positioned, is an interesting song that seems unstructured and chaotic; which is of course entirely suitable for the topic that is reflected upon in this song.This is what makes it exciting to listen to.
Summed up in a few words, Brumalia is experimental, theatrical and brave. Completely Patrick Wolf.
