Patrick Wolf - Accident & Emergency
[Loog]

Third albums are always notoriously difficult, especially when you have the weight on the world on your shoulders thanks to your previous two long-players (Lycanthropy and Wind In The Wires) being universally worshipped by the music press.

As the first single from Patrick Wolf's third album The Magic Position, a lot is riding on his shoulders with Accident & Emergency, but the experimental pop artist doesn't disappoint.

The first notable point to make is the change of mood and atmosphere of the new material - gone is the melancholic imagery of such tracks as The Libertine in favour of a more shiny, upbeat direction that shockingly, you can even dance to.

The processed beats and laptop home recording is still intact, as Accident & Emergency conjures up bleak vocals and glitchy stutters, like Bright Eyes being remixed by Static.

At least with his change of output, no one can accuse Patrick Wolf of being predictable or safe. This new direction may alienate existing fans, but then change is both refreshing and necessary. The Magic Position is already shaping up to be one great piece of work.