Goldfrapp Embraces Darker Themes on ‘Silver Eye’

Stephanie Hernandez

It’s been 17 years since electronic duo Goldfrapp emerged from London’s underground club scene. Balancing their success with their evolution as a group, Goldfrapp has maintained a strong signature sound and identity that has carried them through their last six albums. Record number seven, “Silver Eye,” brings back everything you love about this cult duo: the lush walls of synths, dance floor-ready beats and even those insanely catchy glam rock-drenched melodies – only this time, they are woven with a much darker thread. Edging away from their sweet side that first reared its head on “Head First,” “Silver Eye” is something much more thoughtful. It becomes an almost otherworldly celebration you don’t want to end.

“Give me your love, make me a freak,” Alison proclaims on the record’s opener “Anymore,” and just like that, you’re hooked. Her slow-burning, sultry vocals are juxtaposed against pulsating electro-pop, making tracks like “Systemagic” and “Everything Is Not Enough” sexy while keeping them danceable. A pop duo once known for their cheerful interjections has switched out youthful optimism for matured introspection. “Silver Eye” feels like the long awaited for sequel to 2003’s ”Black Cherry,” thematically similar but with a much more savage and uncensored appetite. Make no mistake, though –  Goldfrapp does continue to show their soft side, most notably on “Faux Suede Drifter.” Complete with a sumptuous soundscape and lyrics that are just as smooth as the voice chanting them, it might be easy to get swept up in the drama of it all. Goldfrapp continue to weave their spell on “Zodiac Black,” keeping sensuality at the heart of the album. The sonic equivalent of tossing and turning in desire, the London-based duo continue to make sense of every deranged, irrational thought one finds themselves mulling over once the lights go out.

A strong addition to Goldfrapp’s body of work without feeling like a stagnant carbon copy of previous oeuvres, “Silver Eye” puts frontwoman Alison’s lyrical and vocal abilities to the test. Equal parts contemplative and club-ready, the duo pulls off a combination that would make most others crumble under the pressure. Fizzing with passion, “Silver Eye” oozes dark and dingy dance floor, so let it seduce you.

“Silver Eye” is available on Apple Music April 31.