WHY is it that musicians so frequently feel the need to get in touch with their inner folk ? Perhaps it is the musical equivalent of a mid-life crisis that drives pop singers across the world to abandon their traditional styles and attempt to imitate Bob

WHY is it that musicians so frequently feel the need to get in touch with their inner 'folk'?

Perhaps it is the musical equivalent of a mid-life crisis that drives pop singers across the world to abandon their traditional styles and attempt to imitate Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell.

Alison Goldfrapp describes latest album, Seventh Tree, as "a surreal folk album".

However, I would suggest the ambient pop of Air or Morcheeba would make for a more accurate comparison.

However you label it, Seventh Tree is certainly very different to Goldfrapp's previous work, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Goldfrapp and collaborator Will Gregory certainly haven't lost their knack for creating a memorable song.

Happiness is a nod to the bands glam-rock beginnings, while Goldfrapp's outstanding voice is at its breathless best on A & E and the poignant Little Bird. 4/5.

MATTHEW GOODING