All I Want For Christmas

Patrick Wolf – Brumalia EP

It would appear that Patrick Wolf isn’t content with releasing one album a year. After the release of Lupercalia in June this year, he followed it with the Lupercalia EP and he has now released the Brumalia EP. What a busy little bee he’s been!

Brumalia is a seasonal release from Mr Wolf, and is centred around winter, naturally. The EP kicks off with Bitten, a touching song about lost love backed by cellos and violas. Eerie melodies and dark bass lines evoke a sense of winter storms yet the song has a truly uplifting chorus. The chorus gives hope to the lost protagonist of the story who by the end makes it out safe after the storm.

Following from Bitten is Together, where the thumping bass continues on. Together is more upbeat and reflects on what could have been in this love story. The strings on the track really give a rounded sound and depth to the song which emphasises the touching lyrics.

Next comes This Time of Year, the Christmas single of the EP. This is very catchy. With a kind of 90’s pop vibe you’d expect this to be awful but it’s a very accomplished and classy attempt at a Christmas single. And considering the attempts in recent years for a decent Christmas number, he’s done a wonderful job.

The classic hymn Jerusalem is the shock entry in the middle of the EP. Wolf’s version is very inspiring and emotive, and with it, oddly haunting. As soon as it starts, it’s over and you’re left in amazement at just how good Patrick’s voice is.

Nemoralia starts well for the most part but then is suddenly filled with odd noises which make for uncomfortable listening. Trumpets and synths with electrical noises all competing against one another ends up being a bit of an assault on the ears. Questionable production at the end, let’s move on.

Pelicans sees the return to the Patrick Wolf we know and love. More energetic, this song is quirky and off the beat in one second then all of a sudden extremely calm and serene in the next. The contrast makes for an enjoyable song which echoes the past albums of Wolf.

Trust rounds off this EP in a lovely way. It is a relaxed ending which is backed by a beautiful harp melody. The song is an uplifting story explaining how all will be well if you just have a little faith. He sings ‘to trust my words and trust their meanings; to trust when love you are receiving’ – striking lyrics which will speak to all in this powerful and moving track.

Overall Brumalia is a wonderful EP which shows off Patrick’s creative genius and his flair. Give this little gem a listen.

Rx