The world's population can be divided into two types of people; those who like surprises and those that don't. For those in the negative camp the mere idea of something unannounced is enough to make their stomachs tighten, forehead perspire and legs turn and propel them to the nearest exit. If you are, like me however, one of those who are thrilled and excited at the prospect then Goldfrapp are the band for us.
You see the wonderful thing about Goldfrapp is that you never quite know what to expect. Could it be thumping disco-flavoured beats, day-glo eighties synths or stripped-back folk-pop? Not one to rest on their musical laurels, Goldfrapp seem to revel in changing direction each and every time. Although this is not always successful, like 2010's slightly off-the-mark 'Head First', it is always fascinating.
'Tales of Us' is quite simply a stunning and achingly beautiful record. Not one to get the party going - not unless you have quite a distorted view on what a party should be like - but certainly one to help it unwind. This time around the synth-heavy pop beats have been replaced with lush strings, beautiful harmonies and slow, carefully thought out pieces. It is a proper album - one that benefits from start-to-end auditioning.
That is not to say that this album is boring - there are delicate pop hooks beneath those carefully orchestrated parts - just when you start to wonder if the album is ever going to pick up you suddenly find yourself humming the melody lines in the bath, on the way to work or in the pub. Well you would if you frequented the sort of pubs I go to!
Surprises? I love them. I really do and that is why you'll find me first in the queue when a Goldfrapp album is released. Ukrainian folk-rap for the next one? Who knows but count me in!
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