The dust is settling in Manchester after a storming performance from Goldfrapp at The Albert Hall, showcasing their new album Tales of Us.
Due for release in September, the new songs whisper and tiptoe deceptively before soaring on epic choruses, leaving the audience stunned. There’s the wistful romance of old black and white French films and noirish nostalgia, magical and sinister as Goldfrapp leave behind their abstractions for character sketches and love letters. The lyrical veil is never quite lifted, and that’s fine because Goldfrapp are at their best when they’re being mysterious.. The sunny warmth of Clowns, from the Seventh Tree album, seems to shine through most of the songs, balancing the shadows, but an aching sense of loss makes the spine shiver, as Alison appears to ponder her past with quiet ambiguity.
The grand old chapel was the perfect setting for the album reveal, and the effect of the sun setting behind the stained glass windows was bewitching as the orchestra flowed and the choir soared to to a climax which took everyone by surprise. Old trouper Caravan Girl was transformed into a towering gospel anthem.
The last time I heard an album so rich with emotion was k d lang’s Ingenue, the glowing end of the perfect post-coital cigarette. And just on the evidence of Drew, which you can watch above, Tales of Us seems destined to be a classic.
Listen to one of the stand out songs, Stranger here
the vibes 