Allison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory formed Goldfrapp back in 1999 and have been fusing their songs with power glitz and synth glamour ever since. The duo’s 2006 release, “Supernature,” is a danceable glam rock album that was destined for clubs with its blaring synthesizers. They decided to get back to the more ambient sound of 2000’s “Felt Mountain,” however, with their latest release, “Seventh Tree.”

 

The album strips away the loud bass and intense beats of the band’s past two albums to give a gentler, melodious tone that sooths and entrances. Four of the album’s tracks feature acoustic guitar, and seven tracks include string arrangements, giving the album a more organic flow.

The disc opens with light acoustic guitars on “Clowns,” which features Allison’s light and bubbly vocals about the plasticity of some modern women. She questions why a girl would want implants but counters this heavy concept with a soft guitar melody and light bird chirps, a sensuous and welcome change from the band’s past work.

Two of the slower tracks on the disc, “Road To Somewhere” and “Some People,” have equally soothing qualities, the former reminiscent of a Kate Bush song with its alluring electronic beats and haunting vocals, while the latter is a simple ballad that resonates with piano, light drums and calming strings.

The song “A&E” — which stands for accident and emergency — serves as a showcase for the disc, an anthem for the morning after a late night of partying.  Allison chimes, “I was feeling lonely, feeling blue / Feeling like I needed you / And I woke up surrounded by me.” The collection of acoustic guitars, keys and gentle synth beats convey the solitude of waking up alone.

The most upbeat and brassy song on the disc, “Caravan Girl,” breathes a needed energy into a mostly ambient collection and is easily the most fun track on the album.

“Seventh Tree” isn’t without its share of problems. The last song, “Monster Love,” goes on much longer than it should with an almost annoyingly repeated chorus. Lacking any real original quality that is apparent on the rest of the album, this song feels out of place.

Overall, though, “Seventh Tree” is a wonderful disc and the perfect album to relax to. With entrancing lyrics, stripped down instrumentals and Allison Goldfrapp’s poignant voice, the album is a nice change of pace from the band’s last two discs.

 "Seventh Tree" by Goldfrapp recieved three and a half out of four stars.