Amazon.co.uk Review: Seventh Tree unveils an Alison Goldfrapp quite different to the one we saw on her career highpoint to date, 2005's Supernature. Whereas that album was grandiose, glammy, and almost aggressive in its brash, thrusting sexuality, Goldfrapp's fourth album is no less sensual, but rather more subtle in its approach. Recorded with longtime collaborator Will Gregory out in rural Somerset, Seventh Tree feels like an attempt to fuse the pagan folk of cult English horror classic The Wicker Man to a lush backdrop of woozy electronics and a restrained orchestral sweep reminiscent of '70s-era Serge Gainsbourg. In practise, this means much of Seventh Tree goes where earlier Gainsbourg disciples such as Air have gone before: chilled-out, soporific electronica with a light organic edge. Luckily, Goldfrapp remains a compelling enough figure to keep matters on the right side of ethereal: the gorgeous "Clowns" imagines the Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser guesting on some long-forgotten Nick Drake out-take, rustic folk with an all-but-indecipherable vocal and an undercurrent of desolation, while "A&E" shows Goldfrapp's pop urge has not deserted her, uplifting electronica with a warm, bucolic twist. --Louis Pattison
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Back On Form
If, like me, you're one of those people who was blown away by Felt Mountain but disappointed by what came after then Seventh Tree may give you cause to rejoice.
Although a very different beast to FM this album shares the same quirky, sensual and exotic oddness as Goldfrapp's remarkable debut. The main difference between the two is mood - FM was frequently quite dark (and in the case of Deer Stop, downright creepy) but Seventh Tree is a long summer's day to Felt Moutain's eerie twilight. ... Read More
Rating: - 5 stars for 'Cologne Cerrone Houdini' alone.....
I seem to have been lost in Goldfrapp land for the last few months!
I couldn't seem to stop playing the live version of 'Strict Machine at Glastonbury' on YouTube along with 'Train' and others....then I downloaded this.
Don't worry, I read all the reviews on Amazon first and I think the considered opinion on here is correct. Which is, no it is nothing like 'Black Cherry'. It is very subtle and growing. There is none of Alison the cool as fuck disco diva, (which like I say, I'm a fan of). ... Read More
Rating: - David Lo Pan
Ok for people that know the film Big Trouble in Little China would you agree that Goldfrapp are a lot like David Lo Pan. Let me explain - one part of them is interesting music and is quite orchestral and the other half is this rubbish glam disco. So basically two different sides.
So for the people that enjoyed Felt Mountain this album is very similar. Quite orchestral in the construction but they have took influence from their dabble in electronic. The result is quite spectacular.
... Read More
Rating: - Astounding
This is why, when captive on an aeroplane, you should listen/watch different stuff. This is the most compelling new album I've heard for a while - keep listening to it, and discovering new depths. It's clever, simultaneously retro and bang up to date, and quite fascinating. Remarkable.
Rating: - Sumptuous
Yes, of course, most album reviews on Amazon are positive, and much of the rest are from people crying 'sell out'.
Well, for what 42 years on the planet and a first ever Amazon review are worth, this is one of those very very rare albums that takes music to a new level, that even on first listening you know will live on, not necessarily defining an era, but being forever known and rediscovered. It's that good.
With the possible exception of 'Caravan Girls', nothing on this album ... Read More
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