If you haven't heard, earlier this week Goldfrapp released their fourth album, Seventh Tree, something very unlike their previous work. So much so that I've seen scathing reviews and glorious praise rained down upon it, depending on who you're listening to. In fact, I think the last time I've seen such a divided camp about a band's change of direction was Rilo Kiley's release of Under The Blacklight last year (although I'd argue that Goldfrapp's new sound is a bolder step away from their previous work).The enchanting Alison Goldfrapp is still at the helm for this go-around, but behind her is a panorama quite alien to what fans have come to expect from the band. Gone are the disco beats and driven electronica (although there are still some electronic effects present). Instead be prepared for acoustic guitars and strings that provide a warmer, more organic feeling sound which feels intimately epic in its sweeping movements as well in its stripped down confessions.
For previous fans, while there are some similarities between this and Felt Mountain, you'll really need to come to this album with a clean slate of expectations. If you're able to do that, I'm sure it will still comes as somewhat of a shock, but it will grow on you if you give it the chance.
Visit their website, their label Mute Records, and become their friend on MySpace.
3 comments:
Seventh Tree is almost as big of a letdown as Room on Fire by the Strokes. It's a step back, not a step forward and it's unfortunate I have to wait another 2 years or so until maybe just maybe we get lucky and Goldfrapp puts out something even remotely resembling supernature
Ah well Scolly, never mind eh?
I actually really like it... it's obviously a departure from earlier work, but I guess I never realized what a great voice Alison has. It's nice to hear her not covered in sequins and beats. I particularly like A&E
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