Photo: WENN
It doesn’t happen often, but once in a while you’ll attend a performance that completely confounds all preconceptions that you have about an artist.
It’s a low key entrance as Alison Goldfrapp takes to the Apollo’s stage attired all in black and accompanied by a three piece string section and acoustic backing, not to mention ethereal lighting backdrop which creates an atmosphere closer to a theatre performance than the electro-pop synth and bass tour de force that most people were expecting. And it works. Really well.
Mrs Goldfrapp’s vocals are impeccably delivered in the sensual hush that has become her trademark. This no more evident than ever when the band play opening tracks 'Jo' and 'Drew' from latest record Tales of Us against the sparse orchestral backdrop which augmented by double bass and strategic interjections of mandolin, keys and percussion.
There are songs about “soldiers in love” and one inspired by Iceland (the country, not the frozen food emporium presumably) which all adds up to an experience that is captivating as it is spellbinding. There’s a moment when you can almost hear the collective epiphany of the audience as they come to realise there is more to this band than 'Supernature' and top ten hits eight years ago.
The fact that all those in attendance are seated leads to a dilemma when following an extended instrumental interlude, the stark melancholy of the first half of the set gives way to the second section which demonstrates what most consider Goldfrapp’s forte; stomping, electronic glam pop. A group of overzealous “chaps” spring to their feet and greet 'Number 1' with a rapturous reception as everyone else in the auditorium rise more gingerly.”You can stand up, it’s more fun that way anyway”, Alison Goldfrapp states just prior to the encore.
Stand up, or sat down, it matters not; tonight’s Goldfrapp gig demonstrates that they are genuinely a live act for all occasions.
