quite.
Released 22 March 2010 (2010-03-22)
Genre Electronica, synthpop
Length 38:10
Label Mute (STUMM280)
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Their fifth studio album now, Goldfrapp have long been considered the UK's champions of electronic-pop with a unique blend of imaginative vision and camp appeal. Fans of their last venture, 'Seventh Tree', embraced its earthy and almost-drugged up sound that allowed for eccentricity by the bucket.
However the first single from this latest effort, 'Rocket', has divided the fanbase. Hailed by some as a return to their 'Supernature' sound of somewhat sleazy but sexy disco-electronics but criticised by others as a premature destruction of their 'Seventh Tree' indie appeal, is 'Head First' similarly marmitish in its conception?
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1. Rocket - with a sound that can only be described as somewhere extraterrestrially between Thin Lizzy and Donna Summer, the album commences with their first single and it's a stomper. Incredibly camp, Goldfrapp dismisses a lover over incredibly catchy beats. And if that wasn't gay enough, the music video contains pink smoke, pink skies, jumpsuits and an incredibly phallic rocket. Ooer.
9.0/10
2. Believer - sounding more Human League than Goldfrapp, 'Believer' is a fast-paced and similarly catchy number - little visionary work but hey, a little break's more than welcome.
7.0/10
3. Alive - less electronic and more pop, 'Alive' sounds like a less annoying Alphabeat. Alison's vocals are more distinct over simple and pleasant piano tunes and guitar glimpses, but still retain its carefree and upbeat attitude.
7.5/10
4. Dreaming - sounding halfway between Giorgio Moroder and Sonique, 'Dreaming' is probably more nightmarish than the title suggests. Ditching the happy approach, darker and more ominous beats replace but to little effect.
6.0/10
5. Head First - Ironically the most 'Seventh Tree' sounding of this record, 'Head First' demonstrates more soothing vocals and relaxed synths which allow you to be floated through Goldfrapp's pleasant little dream sequence.
6.5/10
6. Hunt - Hushed whispers and piercing synths give this an again sinister sound as she sings "tonight we hunt for you". There're no soaring glimpses of euphoria on this track, perhaps reason for it sticking out in the crowd.
7.0/10
7. Shiny and Warm - A distinct 1-2 beat throughout gives this a steady rhythm but there is little effort put on top. It's almost as if it were designed to go unnoticed.
3.0/10
8. I Wanna Life - If track placing was designed to give 'I Wanna Life' a fair amount of opportunity to more than make up for lost ground, then it works. Sounding almost Gwen Stefani in the delivery, but thankfully un-Gwen Stefani in its pleasantness, this more than makes up for Shiny and Warm.
6.0/10
9. Voicething - There have thus been next to no signs that they could be behind the iamamiwhoami campaign. The campaign, which features 6 (so far) YouTube videos with a distinctly Goldfrapp image of trees, a leud nature-meets-art style and mystery is almost as if they're trying to pin it on Goldfrapp without their knowledge. However, Voicething has an animal-like quality to it with strange breathy voices and sudden turns in tune that make it possible. The track's pretty much the perfect ending to the album - it paves the way for a return to their artistic sound.
5.5/10
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A simple way of summarising the album would be comparing it to a disco experience. It's quick, it's got its highs and euphoric elements, but ultimately it lacks real substance and can be forgotten with another disco. There aren't really any new grounds in Goldfrapp's artistic ability to be found here, and whilst the abundance of feel-good dance-pop will please you for a while, it's not going to be a record you cherish repeatedly.
Rating: 60/90 =
6.6 out of 10.