It seems almost a lifetime ago I happened upon ‘Felt Mountain’, the beguilingly ethereal Goldfrapp debut, Alison’s seductive tones part Marlene Dietrich, part Kate Bush, expertly wrapping themselves around nine lavishly produced mini-musicals, every one capable of gracing the next Bond film. Six more albums have followed at fairly regular intervals, each an evolution from its predecessor, the most recent being this spring’s release ‘Silver Eye’, a return to the electronic heartland dominating the band’s middle years; the subsequent 14-date supporting European tour bringing our heroine to a pretty full but not quite brimming Leeds 02 Academy.
Perhaps in tribute to the new album title, Alison finally emerges following her quartet of band mates dressed in a supremely stylish silver suit amidst a sea of dry ice. It’s as if she’s just stepped off, or indeed, about to board an alien space craft; the haunting overture of ‘Voicething’ followed by new album track ‘Zodiac Black’ getting things underway before the fuzzy infectious electronic groover, new album opener ‘Anymore’, really cranks things up several notches.
Other ‘Silver Eye’ tracks in tonight’s set include the spacious electronica of ‘Ocean’ and ‘Moon in Your Mouth’ as well as the more industrial ‘Systemagic’ containing the new album’s title in its lyrics and vaguely redolent of Visage’s electronic classic ‘Fade To Grey’.
Watching our siren writhing on stage belying her age by a good couple of decades, deep red locks blowing in a fast moving current of air, I’m reminded of Bowie, Toyah and Laurie Anderson as well as the previously mentioned influences, all expertly appropriated to create the unique Goldfrapp sound that’s stood the test of time so well.
Naturally the gig’s climax comes peppered with firm favourites including the eastern tinged ‘Koko’, the electro pop staples ‘Number 1’ and ‘Ride a White Horse’, before the main set concludes with ‘Ooh La La’; the band returning to treat everyone to a brace from platinum selling sophomore release ‘Black Cherry’, firstly the title track then the blaze of S&M glory that is ‘Strict Machine’.
Not only was it great to finally catch a live Goldfrapp show for the very first time, but also reacquainting myself with the splendid back catalogue has proven equally enthralling, I suggest you do the same.
Words - Mike Price