Alison Goldfrapp, The Love Invention Review
Alison Goldfrapp, renowned for her innovative work as half of the electro-pop duo Goldfrapp, is stepping into the limelight with a solo debut that is both a thrilling evolution and a testament to her artistic integrity called The Love Invention. The electrifying dance-pop suite presents seventeen songs to celebrate the disco and house influences that have always permeated her musical DNA. The music balances heartfelt sincerity and playful mischief; this album sees Goldfrapp reborn as a dancefloor priestess, delivering a relentless succession of club bangers that would have found a home in Larry Levan’s early-’80s Paradise Garage.
“Never Stop” is a captivating opener, characterized by an infectious beat and synth motif that lays the foundation for Goldfrapp’s buoyant vocal delivery. The Moroder-inspired synth further elevates this mid-tempo dancefloor groove sounds that lace the track.
“Love Invention” artfully blends house and disco elements, enveloping the listener in an atmosphere of sensuality and euphoria. Goldfrapp’s signature layered sound and propulsive beats are at the heart of this track, driving it forward with relentless energy.
“Fever” takes a turn towards sultry acid-house rhythms, arresting the listener with crescendoing snare rolls and a syncopated keyboard part. The track’s melody is catchy, with Goldfrapp’s vocals guiding the natural evolution of the song’s form.
“The Beat Divine” blossoms into an invigorating dance anthem, boasting a seductive backbeat that’s as stylish as it is sensual. Goldfrapp showcases her ability to extract emotion and desire from a melody with her breathy, evocative vocal performance.
However, “Subterfuge” ventures into electro-pop territory with mixed results. The track’s hi-hat pattern feels generic, and the effects applied to Goldfrapp’s typically angelic voice seem more disruptive than enhancing, detracting from the overall sonic experience.
The Love Invention is more than just Alison Goldfrapp’s solo debut – it’s a pulsating, sonic odyssey that resurrects the spirit of the dancefloor. From infectious grooves to sensual rhythms and the euphoric blend of house and disco, this album is a testament to Goldfrapp’s impeccable musicianship and her deep understanding of dance music. Despite a few missteps, the record remains an intoxicating journey through various dance genres, each track imbued with Goldfrapp’s signature complexity and layered soundscapes.
In essence, The Love Invention celebrates the dancefloor, a dazzling showcase of Goldfrapp’s multifaceted talents, and a triumphant testament to her enduring relevance in the ever-evolving electronic music landscape. That’s the short of it!
Connect with Alison Goldfrapp: Website |
May 12, 2023
Skint Records
9.1