Patrick Wolf releases ‘Crying the Neck’, his first album in 13 years, on 13 June, 2025. While addiction, bankruptcy and recovery influenced 2023’s ‘The Night Safari’ EP, this new record finds Patrick in more confident mood with inspiration from nature, the East Kent landscape and folklore – albeit tinged with his grief following the death of his mother.

There’s also a nod to his second album, ‘Wind in the Wires’: ‘Where at 21 I was fighting to be free by being free of my sorrows but 20 years later I finally achieved that freedom in the acceptance of living alongside them’.

‘Reculver’ opens the record with genteel piano, orchestral flourishes and emotional words: ‘You’re not dressed for the cold light of the out there’. Its combination of chamber pop and alt-folk provides a comforting welcome back to Patrick Wolf’s world – especially in the way it ends with bursts of glitchy electronica. ‘Limbo’ follows in anthemic style with plenty to and fro between Patrick and guest singer Zola Jesus: ‘How long til’ we get there? Much longer and I don’t care’. It’s a powerful ode to finding companionship in a ‘world on fire’.

‘Jupiter’ opens with tribal drums, powerful violins and a touch of introspection – ‘losing again, we’re not playing’ – before ‘On Your Side’ finds Patrick looking ahead with more optimism over acoustic strums: ‘I’ll hold the line’. ‘Dies Irae’ starts with choral harmonies and Patrick pondering how: ‘The night is yet to fall, not yet your funeral. While we’re alone, what can I do to help you. Hold back tomorrow?’ There are elements of Patrick’s old fan favourite ‘Don’t Say No’ in the art pop sound, memorable melodies and industrial touches.

‘The Curfew Bell’ follows with a more traditional piano-based sound, but with a tender acknowledgement of the suffering people go through when their time comes: ‘A kiss on the forehead, you say you don’t want to go’. ‘Song of the Scythe’ is a 90-second piece that talks about the death of both people and the day, before ‘Better or Worse’ brings in the handclaps and bombast with its singalong of ‘It gets better, it gets worse, it’s a blessing and it’s a curse’.

‘Hymn of the Haar’ talks about Dover, Rashidun green jumpers and a ‘silver Damascun road’ over grand strings and effects, with its mantra of ‘Crisis to crisis, life needn’t be like this’ really striking a chord with anyone who may be struggling before ‘Foreland’ closes the album in brooding and stirring style.

Written, composed, produced and arranged by entirely by Patrick, with Brendan Cox brought in as co-producer and engineer, ‘Crying the Neck’ is a poignant piece with plenty of hope in its heart.

Live Dates
North America
September 17 – Vancouver, Canada – Fox Cabaret
September 20 – Seattle, WA – Woodlawn Hall
September 24 – Portland, OR – Mission Theatre
September 27 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Lodge
October 7 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
October 9 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah
October 12 – Las Vegas, NV – The Griffin
October 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
October 19 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theatre
October 23 – Kansas City, MO – The Record Bar
October 25 – Davenport, IA – Raccoon Motel
October 28 – St Paul, MN – Amsterdam Hall
October 30 – Milwaukee, WI – X-Ray Arcade
November 1 – Chicago, IL – Gman Tavern
November 3 – Ferndale (Detroit), MI – The Magic Bag
November 6 – Toronto, Canada – Longboat Hall
November 10 – Somerville, MA – Center of The Arts Armory
November 13 – New York, NY – Adler Hall
November 15- Philadelphia, PA – World Cage Live Lounge
November 19- Washington, DC – Pearl Street