We are greeted by beautifully stark, monochromatic visuals – the band
are dressed entirely in black, the set drop is simple, textured noir
brushstrokes, and then the stage drops into darkness, lit only by single
brilliant white spotlights on individual performers. Such striking
visuals are exact metaphors for this initial section of Goldfrapp’s set –
where the band offer enchanting sounds that are an education in
subdued, calm simplicity. Pure vocals are accompanied by delicate
acoustic guitars and ethereal ambient sounds, percolating in a way that
is utterly captivating.
As the show progresses, more diverse timbres enter the play –
violins, Spanish and electric guitars, a handsome double bass and
mandolin, along with a modest collection of drums and a whole host of
synths. With these added elements, further tracks become rich tapestries
of sound, interwoven and perfectly balanced, with each timbre
complementing each other seamlessly to create an enchanted and
incredibly sophisticate wall of sound.
From here the performance develops in waves, dipping between quieter,
more sombre tracks to those that whack considerable power and dynamism.
This fiercer edge swells as we progress through the bowels of the set,
moving from the darker, cooler, more brooding sounds more closely
associated with Goldfrapp’s later work toward the glam-rock synth pop
inspired back catalogue. This is a good move – the set develops
perfectly, a crescendo of noise and visuals, with the simple pared down
lighting being gradually replaced with an ever more complex light show
filled with colour and movement. The shift in atmosphere is also a crowd
pleaser – encompassing your full body of work in a performance is
always a positive, non-conceited action, and as a result the set feels
balanced and whole. Mixing the wafer thin softness of new tracks such as
Annabel with the electronic drama of
Ride a White Horse and
Strict Machine shouldn’t work, but with this expertly execute set list the performance not only works, but utterly excels.
Aside from the perfectly orchestrated set list, the clear focus of the show is
that
voice, perfect as it is in its idiosyncrasy. Alison Goldfrapp’s
rasping, refined voice penetrates the very soul, sounding so rich and
womanly, yet gorgeously girlish in the same breath is in a word
charismatic.
The rest of the band is majestically good, however. Beautiful,
heart-wrenchingly perfect violins combine with some of the most
sophisticated synth work I have ever seen – intelligently selected and
masterfully layers as they are. Dynamic yet delicate drums are skilfully
complex or sparse as needed, but it is the bass that has won my heart
this evening – being as it is stupendously rich, as deep and thrilling
as thunder.
This critically acclaimed show in support of Goldfrapp’s sixth studio
album ‘Tales of Us’ is an education in professional stagemanship. Every
track, every break, every visual is devised and considered to create an
untouchable achievement in sonic beauty. My eyes and ears greedily
absorbed every second these masters of synth-pop had to offer.
See this via MTTM at:
http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/reviews/live-reviews/020414-goldfrapp-hexagon-reading
