Goldfrapp ‘Tales of Us’ Album Review: Goldfrapp leaves 80’s cheese and electro-glam behind with their newest release. 

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Goldfrapp has always been an act prone to extremes. Such about-face sonic changes inevitably become hit or miss. While the electro-sleaze of Black Cherry and the Glam-sheen of Supernature were richly indulgent, Seventh Tree was a bit too hippy-dippy and the 80’s schmaltz of 2010’s Headfirst was sickeningly sweet.

But with new release Tales Of Us, the electro-pop duo have changed courses yet again. And it’s a solid comeback, albeit a much understated one than recent efforts.

In essence the album feels like one, multilayered extended torch song, and in this case, that’s a good thing.

The album opens with Jo, all lilting piano and string swells, with a dizzy, wintry chill. But for all it’s serenity, there’s unease in Alison Goldfrapp’s lyrics; you’d better run for your life.

In a recent NYC concert, the singer mentioned that her lyrics on Tales Of Us were drawn from literary resources, such as Simone; which is about a mother who “discovers her wicked daughter in bed with her lover.”

Drew (yes, all tracks but one have first names as the title) has a lovely arpeggiated guitar figure that perfectly adorns Alison Goldfrapp’s raspy vocals. Once the orchestral backing comes in it’s very reminiscent of John Barry’s 007 film themes. Attn: Sam Mendes, let them do the next James Bond theme.

In fact there’s a 1960’s cinematic feel to much of the material; Stranger and Laurel both sound like they could have been on the Rosemary’s Baby soundtrack.

Alvar’s ethereal guitar tone has a Gothic feel, but the ascending arrangement refuses to get mired in gloom.

Sonic architect Will Gregory weaves a rich tapestry throughout the entire affair, giving it all a cohesion without lapsing into monotony.

And that’s the charm of Tales of Us; it’s dark but not dismal, beautiful but not ostentatious. By giving us less, not more, and refining their synthetic excess, they’ve crafted a slow burning charmer of an album, and one of their best works to date.

Want to own Goldfrapp’s Tales Of Us on iTunes or Amazon? Click on the appropriate links below: