wed 16/10/2024

CD: Goldfrapp - Tales of Us | reviews, news & interviews

CD: Goldfrapp - Tales of Us

CD: Goldfrapp - Tales of Us

Goodbye glam, hello autumn on cinematic sixth album

'Tales of Us': dark and mystical

The glam pop duo’s new album heralds a striking change of direction away from their trademark stadium disco towards a more intimate, cinematic sound. A seductive collection of character studies inspired by film noir, books and song lyrics, this 10-track album is heavy on atmosphere and light on sequins. Exquisitely woven together, it’s inspired by the like of French crooner Jacques Brel, Bon Iver and Leonard Cohen.

On this their sixth album, Goldfrapp appear mellow and restrained, leaving the world of glossy pop and BDSM-inspired costumes firmly behind.

It’s a marked contrast to their last offering, 2010’s Head First, which was an overtly commercial collection of electropop which paled in comparison with the innovative efforts of newcomers Gaga, Little Boots and co. Alison Goldfrapp has since declared her dissatisfaction with the album, blaming its direction on hit-hungry label bosses at the now defunct EMI. In a recent interview with the Irish Independent she said: "It was incredibly rushed. We were on the last leg of our contract. A hit wasn't on our minds. It was on theirs. Sometimes labels have expectations that you don't necessarily understand or maybe don't want to fulfil.”

Dominated by acoustic guitars, sparse strings and breathy vocals, with each track a poetic portrait of a fictional character, Tales of Us conjures a wistful pastoral mood. Only one track, “Thea”, references their electropop past, while the rest are shadowy ballads such as “Clay”, which tells the tragic tale of a doomed wartime romance between two gay soldiers, and the Kate Bush-inspired story of “Simone” who finds her daughter in bed with her own lover. It’s a world away from the playful pop of their defining hit “Ooh La La”, and while it’s a pleasure to hear Alison Goldfrapp sounding so relaxed and expressive, the dark mysticism of it all can be slightly overwhelming. The release date is perfectly timed, as these songs are the perfect soundtrack to red wine-fuelled autumn evenings. Summer is definitely over.

These songs are the perfect soundtrack to red wine-fuelled autumn evenings. Summer is definitely over

rating

Editor Rating: 
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)

Share this article

Comments

Jacques Brel was Belgian, please do your research correctly. And in my opinion he wasn't a crooner in the likes of Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby but in important singer-songwriter for francophone music.

Add comment

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters