Goldfrapp

Can you direct me to the Stoop?

Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp’s fourth studio album Seventh Tree has been described by Ms Alison Goldfrapp herself as ‘Surreal Pop Folk’.

The glam posturing and electro nods which made Goldfrapp, the intelli-pop band du jour have been binned in favour of a more ethereal re-invention pitched somewhere between The Wickerman and Willow the Wisp.

Goldfrapp and musical partner Will Gregory were holed up in deepest Somerset recording this album and would have you believe spent their time eating apples and breaking twigs underfoot while recording.

A timely rethink indeed, considering Kylie and Madonna’s hijacking of Goldfrapp‘s image became a joke to the extent a beleaguered Madge was dubbed ‘Oldfrapp’ – harsh but probably fair.

The new sonic influences are clear; there is a nod to wistful strummer Nick Drake in the opening track Clowns and a mellotron makes an appearance on Happiness.

Tracks such as Some People and Little Bird hammer home that fact that Goldfrapp are a beguiling and talented pop-act. Maybe now they can shake the claims that they are simply uber-hip and lauded by the style press.

It’s not a new phenomenon but the change in the direction seems to fit perfectly such is Goldfrapp’s understanding of the music and style sensibilities that they plunder from, in that essence Goldfrapp pay a debt to Madge who’s longevity was borne out of reinvention.

We say – If you go down to woods today, look out for a glitter ball and platform shoes.

They Say – ‘While Seventh Tree is playing, you'll want to do little other than bask.’ The Times.

Best track - Monster Love, does exactly what is says on the tin.

share this story: