ALBUM REVIEW: Goldfrapp, Head First

Following their 2008 weird-folk offering, Seventh Tree, their latest offering sees the electro duo heading back to the electronic pop of their three previous releases.

Electro-vixen Alison Goldfrapp must have been a major influence on the new generation of synth popsters such as La Roux, Little Boots and even the Gaga; therefore it’s odd to find Goldfrapp and Gregory following the lead of others.

With one foot in the 80s, Head First sees a return to the world of glossy grown-up pop; it’s fabulously upbeat electro, a skilfully-crafted homage to the synth-pop era.

The sleek synth-powered lead track Rocket is exactly in step with retro-electro pop fashion, while the familiar piano hook on Alive has been modernised by Gregory’s sharp production. The album’s title track begins with an Abba-style melodic structure before veering into synthesized euphoria.

Although Head First doesn’t sound as unique as it may have done a couple of years back, it is a welcome return to lush, sophisticated and danceable pop for Goldfrapp.

If the last album put you off it’s time to believe again.

Tracklisting:

1. Rocket
2. Believer
3. Alive
4. Dreaming
5. Head First
6. Hunt
7. Shiny and Warm
8. I Wanna Life
9. Voicething