KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * *
It starts off folky. Whispy, even. And mostly, that's the way Goldfrapp's fourth album Seventh Tree stays. The duo of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory have come up with a record closest in mood to their stunning debut Felt Mountain from 2000. In contrast to their previous two albums Black Cherry and Supernature it floats, rather than grinds and it's dreamy rather than oozing with a pumping and poppy fusion of dance, electro and electronica.
A change is fine, but unlike the tranquil and volatile mix of Felt Mountain, Seventh Tree lacks overall impact because it's a little too dreamy for it's own good, which at times makes it dreary. Even when the beats do finally kick in on Happiness the overwhelming feeling is still one of whimsy.
There are exceptions like first single A&E (with the cute video in the forest with people dressed up as dancing leaves), which is one of Goldfrapp's most touching songs yet and the cute jaunt of Caravan Girl.
However, album highlight comes when the pair dabble in their love of all things James Bond to create the slinky Cologne Cerrone Houdini, with dramatic zah-zah strings and Goldfrapp's swooning falsetto in the chorus.
And it's on songs with a mix of swagger and swoon like this that Goldfrapp are at their best.
Label: EMI
Verdict: It's beautiful, but more swagger and less swoon needed on fourth outing.
