In 2014, Conchita Wurst took to the Eurovision stage and stormed to victory with “Rise Like A Phoenix”. Ever since then, Tom Neuwirth – the man behind the beard – has been constantly evolving his sound and appearance. Now, this journey has resulted in Truth Over Magnitude, the new album from Tom’s current persona WURST.
Truth Over Magnitude is certainly a different offering from the inspirational debut album and orchestral-filled LP that Conchita previously delivered. Instead, WURST shifts things towards a more electronic-punk sound that may surprise audiences who haven’t been following Neuwirth’s ever-changing style.
Right from the very first track of the album, “Trash All the Glam”, WURST makes sure to let people know that this is not the same artist they may be used to. The glamour and elegance of Conchita has been thrown out to make way for this new era. Through WURST, Neuwirth is able to show the world his current truth and who he is at the present time.
Other tracks such as “Can’t Come Back” and “Forward” make it clear that Tom Neuwirth is leaving Conchita in the past for now and is focused on moving into the future as WURST. He wants his fans to “See Me Now” for the artist he is in this moment, and not be caught up in thinking that he must always be the diva figure of Conchita.
Indeed, it’s an artist’s ability to adapt that both helps them push past their limits and give them new lease of life. WURST knows this, as he mentioned in a recent interview on German TV show Late Night Berlin: “The things I do reflect my situation in life and progress is the only thing that pushes me. But also because I get bored extremely easily. And when I’m bored, I have no fun.”
WURST – Truth Over Magnitude
Musically, there’s a reservedness and quietness running throughout the twelve-track LP. There’s no extremely upbeat song or big soaring power ballad where WURST tries to make an over-produced statement. Rather, Truth Over Magnitude subtly delivers a message of self-love and respect.
The Austrian star welcomes you to “Hit Me” with your negative thoughts and comments. But, at the end of the day, WURST knows that he can be nothing more than himself and dance “To the Beat” of his own drums. He loves himself for who he is and encourages people to respect that.
WURST’s new LP may not be everyone’s musical cup of tea. But, the Eurovision alum is not here to make a big splash and release records that try to appeal to the masses. Instead, Tom Neuwirth favours truth over magnitude, and humbly bares the current state of his soul through T.O.M.
What do you think of Truth Over Magnitude? Do you like the WURST era of Tom Neuwirth’s evolving sound? Let us know in the comments!
What i love about this music – it doesn’t sound as the copy of a copy, the texts are meaningful and his wonderful voice shows everything it has.
Love it so much and can’t stop listening to it. Perfect mix some that make it hard to sit still and some that makes you cry and some again just inspires the but out of you!!!!!!!
I love Conchita, or Wurst, but this new era is so confusing to me, musically, aesthetically and conceptually. I like that Tom is reinventing him/herself and exploring her/his possibilities, but I wish he could focused a little bit more. He’s a great singer and artist, just a bit too all over the place and hard to follow for my taste
meh
I heard the album now a few times and yesterday during the autograph session in Vienna and now I love all songs! And now he said that he will be Conchita again. The next time on 26th november at the #FromViennaWithLove concert with the Vienna Symphony Orchester.
And he said in the last interviews that Conchita will come back! 🙂 The next concert is on 26th november in Vienna with the Vienna Symphony Orchester.
Many new favourites on this new album – Trash All the Glam, To the Beat, Hit Me, Resign, SIX and Can’t Come Back….
One of the rare artists who never gets boring. It was love at first sight at ESC 2014 with Conchita. And I am happy to follow his career ever since then. His new album is fresh and different.
Everything but subtle. Lol
The album is amazing!!! Resign, Truth Over Magnitude, Satori, Trash all the glam – these are my absolute favourites <3
here somebody who really knows how acronyms work, take note Aly Ryan!!
Powerful and daring new album. Love it!