Published Date:
05 March 2008
POP tendencies on their third album may have brought Goldfrapp to the attention of most people, but a lucky few were aware of them from before 2005's 'Supernature.'
The duo – Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory – who are possibly most famous for their top five UK hit 'Ooh La La,' have talents far beyond the electronic dance they are best known for. In fact the majority of their back catalogue – vastly ignored except by the adventurous – is a much more subdued and ambient affair.
And with 'Seventh Tree,' the pair are back to what they do best.
With Alison writing her lyrics to create melodies and drum rhythms and Will taking the atmosphere of her vocal to frame his epic synthetic musical anthems, what Goldfrapp should be famous for is their gentle and pioneering electronica, full of suppressed intensity far beyond their bouncy and night club friendly dance tunes.
While 'Supernature' was still a superior album, it's main aim has hopefully been fulfilled – to grab the attention of chart music lovers and expose them to something mythical and fascinating.
Alison's rich vocals are gathered and placed on a pedestal by Will's expert layering and production to create trance inducing flights of fancy.
In short, the pairing is perfection.
There are few missteps on 'Seventh Heaven' and even when they appear – such as with the mumbled lyrics of opener 'Clowns' the result is still a pleasant experience. Alison's voice could probably sing the phonebook and the rare introduction of guitars helps to turn the mysterious track into an ethereal playground.
The misstep exists for one simple reason – while the mumbling may be making a satirical point linked with the lyrics, Alison's poetry is astounding and every word deserves to be heard to its full potential.
A perfect example is with closer, 'Monster Love.' Describing the 'folly of a Monster Love like you' the world created by the collaboration of vocal, lyric and layered out-of-this-world synthesisers is encapsulating and totally identifiable - whatever your experience – which surely has to be the ultimate measure of a good song.
'Happiness' is one of the more up-tempo additions to 'Seventh Heaven,' and tucked neatly into the irony packed track is disdain for false promises of happiness offered and packaged by co-operations and charities.
One of the many highlights of Goldfrapp's fourth album is enigma filled 'Eat Yourself.'
An introspective acoustic number, it's clear that Goldfrapp are keen to explore their softer side.
Recent release 'A&E' with its lyrical imagery and optimistic melodies turns out to be the perfect first taste of 'Seventh Heaven.'
Bridging the gap between the more accepted pop of 'Supernature' and the more enjoyable gentle electronica the pair have concocted here, it's safe to say that if you enjoyed that you should buy the album and see what else Goldfrapp are capable of.
The reverse is also true – if you found you didn't like it, best to stick with the night club friendly ventures they've done – but you will be missing out.
This CD is available to buy now in Woolworths.
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Last Updated:
05 March 2008 4:03 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Stornoway