Better or Worse

Released in August 2025, Better or Worse represents a refined, minimalist chapter in Patrick Wolf's extensive discography. Following the themes of his 2023 'The Night Safari' EP, this collection leans further into chamber folk and acoustic intimacy. The EP is notable for its multilingual approach, featuring tracks performed in French ('Hymne des étrangers') and Spanish ('Mejora o empeorar'), suggesting a nomadic, pan-European perspective. Sonically, the record is dominated by Wolf's signature viola playing and piano, with production that emphasizes the natural acoustics of the recording space. The inclusion of an instrumental version and the 'El Lobo' mix provides a look at the structural bones of the songwriting and a glimpse into a more rhythmic, electronic interpretation. Critically, the EP has been noted for its maturity and its departure from the high-concept art-pop of his youth in favor of a more direct, singer-songwriter vulnerability.