Goldfrapp adoring, glammy, ethereal at The Showbox

Goldfrapp adoring, glammy, ethereal at The Showbox

by Jessica Price - SGN A&E Writer Goldfrapp September 23 Showbox SoDo Goldfrapp's low-key return to Seattle last week was anything but low-key. The fans were out in full force and dressed to the nines, ready to get their fill of the British electronic group led by Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory. When a band inspires a notoriously laid-back Seattle audience to dress up, wear hats, feather boas, and anything shiny in general, it's always worth taking note. The completely mixed Gay/straight audience was in full regalia and certainly appeared ready to celebrate Goldfrapp's very triumphant return to Seattle. Goldfrapp took the stage promptly at 10 p.m. as promised, opening with the gentle "Paper Bag." The tone was lush and ethereal, as a barefoot, harlequin-cloaked Alison bewitched completely throughout the opener and the gorgeous "A&E." "Utopia" followed, an early song, which served as the operatic intro on the last tour. Those of you in attendance at The Showbox at the Market several years ago might remember the fan strategically placed to blow back Alison's hair to dramatic effect, or the fitted romper she paired with some spectacular heels. But those were the days of the sexually charged hit album Supernature, which, incidentally, earned two Grammy nominations. The newest release, Seventh Tree, is comparatively more pastoral and summery, but every bit as lush. With Alison's pitch-perfect vocals, the vibe of the show was still sexy but with a much lighter hand. "You Never Know" and "Satin Chic" delivered, as well as the thrilling stomp of "Number 1" and "Ooh La La." Newer material such as "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" matched the vocal sweep of their first release Felt Mountain so well that it was a perfect tie-in after "Utopia." "Little Bird" was psychedelic in execution, complete with some swirly images shown against the harlequin backdrop. The end of summer was palatable and sweet, with the band dressed mostly in white - a much different effect than the last tour's retro-modern glam outfits and silver rompers. "Caravan Girl" was a high point, as was a nod to the breakthrough Black Cherry release on the super-charged "Train." Alison knows her audience well, and they adore her. With her cascading blonde curls, round little cheeks, and her heart-shaped lips, she's easy to fall for and a formidable diva in her own right. They played for just over an hour, with one nice and neat encore. "Some People," "Monster Love" and the feisty "Strict Machine" completed the evening. Pastoral, electronic, glam, or a little on the hippyish side, Goldfrapp's new record was a perfect summertime listen and will be this fall as well. Seventh Tree and the live presentation definitely called to mind the hazy end of English summer under the influence of some purely Californian sun. If you don't have a copy of Seventh Tree yet, get one fast. Don't miss the chance to see Goldfrapp in person the next time they come around.