In December 2007 I was dragged by a friend to go see Patrick Wolf, because she had no one else to go with.  I didn’t know a word of his songs and was expecting to be relatively bored for the whole night.  I came out that night, from the best live show I had ever been to.  So, it’s not that far a stretch to imagine that the next morning I went about downloading his back catalogue (which comprises of 3 albums, a couple of EPs and some live bootlegs).  The Magic Position is his newest studio album, and the one which has taken me on a journey like no other album ever has.

Patrick Wolf’s previous albums were both highly melodic, beautifully written, and performed pieces of the darkness of his teenage years. However, in The Magic Position, Patrick Wolf has grown up.  Using his classical training, he brings in aspects from all sides of music – tying the previous darkness of his lyrics with a sonic brightness in the melody.  The title track is all about love and how it can bring you to life, no matter what; and even tracks like Magpie, which delve back into the realms of despair, there is always the element of hope in his songs.

The album is amazingly composed, bringing together violin, guitar, piano, organ, and synthesisers to mix perfectly with his mesmerising voice.  It’s hard to believe how someone who’s only 24 could write something as bold as this album.

I recommend this album to everyone, as I have not met a person yet who hasn’t liked this album, but people who like Bright Eyes, Rufus Wainright, Bloc Party or Adam Ant are likely to be able to listen to this very easily.