Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory return to their roots with new release, Seventh Tree. The pair – notorious for bizarre stage-shows, nu-disco and S&M imagery –revisit their early felt mountain days and salute all things folk.

Gone is the electro glam that brought them into the realms of popular tastes, and thank goodness. Seventh Tree is laced with subtlety but power. It’s more Tori Amos than Hot Chip, and it certainly marks a departure from their dip into dance.  Synth-based tracks like ‘Happiness’ are small remnants of their electronic furore. While ballads like ‘A&E’ and ‘Clowns’ introduce strings, strumming and bird-song to brilliant effect.

If you prefer Morcheeba to Depeche Mode, but you still revel in weird lyrics then this one deserves a listen. (Jane Dawson)