Single: Patrick Wolf
Title: House
Label: Mercury Records
Release: May 23rd 2011
Rating: 4.0
Patrick Wolf has often been recognised for the various different styles he combines in his music. Though strictly pop and not hugely inspiring, there is a kind of kooky character to his records that makes them perfectly listenable. The new releasefrom his up and coming album Lupercalia is the bright and upbeat single House.
With a greater focus on acoustic instruments than previous release The City, this track sounds much more folk-orientated, giving it an honest and earthy feel. The chiming piano motif is optimistic and almost victorious, which as the song progresses creates a sense of returning home after a long journey. This romantic image does however make the overall tone a little cheesy, something that is only enhanced by the introduction of a ‘power ballad-esque’ drum beat in the second verse. Also, the over-energetic string parts make the whole thing slightly melodramatic, particularly as the song seems to drift aimlessly along for a bit in the middle. However, the track is arguably salvaged towards the end; the incessant strings finally become calm, gracefully accompanying Wolf’s tender vocals ‘this house is home’ in a slow and sensitive outro.
In a nutshell, House is a light-hearted and perfectly acceptable pop song, given a bit of spirit by Patrick Wolf’s genial character. However, I can’t help but think that a musician of his talent and experience might be able to hit on something just a little more stirring in his sound. Unfortunately, this single doesn’t quite show it. Pleasantly romantic? Yes. Particularly interesting? Not especially. Sorry Wolfie.
Words And Thoughts Of Anna Lumsden
