Goldfrapp at Somerset House Summer Series

On the penultimate night of the Somerset House series, Goldfrapp take to the stage and Alison playfully purrs: “How are you?”

The tempo starts slowly as they play Lovely Head and Clowns. Alison’s voice is other-worldly as she sings over a haunting harpsichord, filling the courtyard of Somerset House with an air of intimacy despite its expanse. On Alvar the tempo picks up before ebbing away leaving Alison’s voice to lead, with the band joining back in to build to a thunderous crescendo.

Goldfrapp proved their true calibre when they moved into their faster songs. Number 1 was anthemic from start to finish, Ride a White Horse had the kind of drilling beat that you feel from the inside of your body and the driving rhythm of Ooh La La was almost frantic with ferocity by the time it ended.

Drew is the new single from upcoming album Tales of Us, due to release in September 2013. It’s a hark back to the dark electro pop of early Goldfrapp mixed with some of their more recent earthy folk ballads – a sign that Goldfrapp continue to evolve and grow with each new release – maintaining their position as pop pioneers.

Black Cherry showcased Goldfrapp’s trip-hop upbringing and early influences, with the beautifully backlit Alison face bathed in shadow and her blonde hair creating a golden halo. Train was a 70s acid-trip with distortion laced guitars and keys, lasers dancing over the back wall of the courtyard of Somerset House. It had a menacing charm and driving hypnotic beat that got the crowd throwing their arms about and screaming. The best was definitely saved for last, Strict Machine – electro-noir at its finest, jarring industrial sounds, big drums and those mesmerising vocals. She repeats: “I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love…”

So is the audience tonight.

Katy Thomas
Photos: Allie Suwanrumpha

For further information and future events visit Goldfrapp’s website here.

Watch the video for Drew here: