Goldfrapp - Head First

  by Sarah Rowland

published: 26 / 4 / 2010

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Review

Goldfrapp have a reputation for changing their sound with every record and fifth album 'Head First' is no exception. The album flashes up a completely new sound for the band and is far from the folky summer breeze of their previous release 'Seventh Tree' or the dark gritty pop of second album 'Black Cherry. With 'Head First', Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory teleport listeners back to the cheesiest discos of the late 70s and 80s complete with leggings, big hair and shoulder pads. First track 'Rocket' conjures up aerobics classes on breakfast TV and has all the synth electro pop energy to get even the sleepiest of risers jumping up and down before work. The song sets the pace for an album that aims to inject a rainbow of happy in to the ears of anyone who hears it. 'Alive' amps up the keyboard and arpeggiated synth and switches on the flashing disco lights. The influences of Olivia Newton John, Abba, Bee Gees and Donna Summer/Giorgio Moroder weave their way across the dance floor of this album, but the heavy synth pop and crisp production ensures a fresh sound that will glide its way smoothly into the summer of 2010. Title track 'Head First' evokes the softer side of 80s pop and could belong to the sound track of an early 80s chick flick starring Molly Ringwald. It leads perfectly into 'Hunt' which is a more breathy track, perhaps leaning more towards the glam rock sound of the band's third album, 'Super Nature'. With 'I Wanna Life' the 80s has truly arrived. Images of a young Tom Cruise driving round a race track while the object of his affections looks on flash to mind. Goldfrapp are good at writing songs with an elevated sense of drama hidden within the lyrics and this album perfectly reflects that distinct atmosphere within its electric blue nylon jumpsuit of melodies.

Track Listing:-

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

Band Links:-

http://www.mudkissphotography.co.uk

Label Links:-

http://mute.com/
https://www.facebook.com/muterecords
https://twitter.com/MuteUK
https://www.youtube.com/user/themutech