For high-minded pop consumers, Alison Goldfrapp’s decision to hang up her horse tail was akin to Kylie consigning her hotpants to the bin. We applauded her nerve, nay verve, in reinvention, agreed that the gimmick had run its course and eagerly awaited the electro-pop idol’s refurbished wardrobe. Deep down, of course, we longed for the horse tail’s return.

Earlier this year, Goldfrapp – the duo that consists of singer Alison and Will Gregory – swapped their successful, beats-backed dancefloor fillers for hauntingly lovely pastoral pop best served as a dinner party soundtrack. Critics applauded the reinvention, the album, Seventh Tree, sailed straight to the top of the charts and the thirtysomething singer’s new outfits included clown costumes and accessories borrowed from birds.

At a packed Albert Hall, a band that included a pair of harp players, a sizeable seated string section and several guitarists – but no Gregory – all wore white, while Goldfrapp appeared in a bum-skimming black-and-white patterned smock, with tiny shorts and no shoes, which made her look as though she had forgotten to finish getting dressed.

Sumptuous, dreamy, slightly psychedelic songs mostly taken from Seventh Tree made up the set’s opening half-hour, but while there was no faulting their clever construction, ethereal beauty or Goldfrapp’s versatile voice – she was eerily breathy one moment, almost operatic the next – their lack of pop melodies and, at times, even tunes sent much of the crowd into semi-slumber. At their worst, the new songs recalled a moody Morcheeba. At their best – on Clowns and Little Bird – a countrified Kate Bush.

The second half picked up, with dancers dressed as wispy pixies who later shed their chiffon mini-dresses and quit prancing through ribbons to poledance in bikinis or writhe provocatively at Goldfrapp’s feet while wearing werewolf masks. The pulsing beats of Number 1 got a few fans dancing, but it was an epic Ooh La La that lifted the whole hall to their feet. They were back in their seats for more new songs and back on their feet for Train and a fabulous Strict Machine. As nice as the new material is, live, the oldies were the goldies.

Tour continues: June 30, Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow; July 1, Sage, Gateshead

Click here to find tickets for Goldfrapp

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