"Wind In The Wires" is Patrick's second album, following 2003's "Lycantrophy". In this two years, you can hear his growth in confidence and skill at writing, recording and performing each of the 13 tracks. Patrick is quite clever, you see, not only does he sing and write the lyrics but he also plays EVERY instrument, bar the clarinet, on the album; including violins, violas, piano, accordian, guitars, kantale (whatever that is) and even a mountain dulcimer (sounds like a mountain goat).
His lyrics are clever, witty, dry and on occasion dark but then he brings simple, beautifully warm songs too. The opening track "The Libertine" is a tremendous opener for the album and was wisely released as a single too. The power in Wolf's vocals and lyrics here alone almost shadows the preceding album but it is clear when listening to the whole album, to whom he dedicates to "the lost souls" that he's somewhat of a lost soul himself with his melancholly songs. This fits perfectly with where he wrote and recorded the album - the West Country. He references the sea in numerous places and the whole album has an almost eeiry sea-shantie feeling to it (particularly strong in "The Shadowsea"). Luring and familiar but with an unknown depth that by the time you've understood it, you're too far out at sea.
There are clear resemblances to one of his mentors, Björk, particularly on the beautiful "Ghost Song" which has a fantastic set of lyrics and vocals pitched against an accordian. Patrick provided a mix of "Army Of Me" for Björk's recent cover album, although a little disappointing really. His Björkisms are also echoed in his song "Tristan" which almost suggests that he's also signed a deal with Satan or an 80's electro artisté. Interestingly, it gets released on Hallowe'en with Patrick playing a Scala gig.
I felt waves of sentiment whilst listening to this album. It is warm, dark, sentimental, delicate and personal and easy to fall in love with.
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