Last night, all was crowded on the Palace front. My uni buddies and I sidled into a space at the front, watching the opening band, Seja, perform (who was good in a mellow, Au Revoir Simone synth-pop/electronica way, if a little shaky) but we were really just  impatient for Goldfrapp.

The roadies unveiled a giant shimmering silver nylon/spandex set prop shaped like a gramophone horn. Just a teasing prelude into what the night ahead promised. Given the physical limitations of the stage I was a bit apprehensive about how it would all turn out. But come half an hour later, boy did I have absolutely nothing to worry about, because as soon as “Voice Thing” started sighing through the airwaves and the lights flashed and the dry ice made a smoky haze, it was just one continual stream of dazzling, palpitating, hallucinogenic spectacles after another.

Almost floating out of a mist, Alison Goldfrapp drifted out onstage in a brilliant figure-hugging sequinned jumpsuit and the most mesmerising poncho apparently made of twinkling tinsel/tape, which scintillated against the breeze (spurred on by super fans), and of course her signature wild frizzy blonde hair. The familiar heaving bass of “Crystalline Green” pounded through the speakers and that just set us all off into spasmodic ecstasy. This is the Goldfrapp we all know and love. Barely a sign of the folksy Seventh Tree here, just brilliant, electric 80s disco-pop and dark synth-heavy numbers. Goldfrapp covered most of her latest album, Head First, then four songs each from Black Cherry and Supernature, and “Utopia” from Felt Mountain.

Goldfrapp’s crew were just as glitteringly attired to match; the lads in shiny, patterned (even saggy, unflattering) jumpsuits, and the female keyboardist in sexy sequinned hotpants. I could barely see the drummer or supporting bass player on the right hand side.

“Rocket”, “Train”, “Ride a White Horse”, “Shiny and Warm”, “Believer” and “Ooh La La” (and well, pretty much every song) had such fabulous intros; it sucks that we couldn’t really dance around much, being so squished as we were, but everybody was moved by the pounding bass, catchy rhythms and the seamless lighting effects, which ranged from near seizure-inducing white flashes to waves of psychedelic, vivid hues. Never did a performance turn gaudy or tacky (god, I hate that word so much now) though they certainly ventured on camp ground, but somehow Goldfrapp totally validates the kitsch value into hyper chic. Alison slurred and breathlessly teased her way through each song, swaying and reaching in that floaty, almost aggressive way of hers, and concomitantly, stamping and marching to the heavy basslines. So shameless in the glitz, and cheesy, feel good glam-pop; I felt so at home! Like SHE GETS THIS SHIT, SHE LOVES IT, TOO!

After a rapturous “Ooh La La” Alison disappeared to return for the first encore, with a gauzy, frilly top with an Elizabethan ruff (I don’t even know what to call it) but it reminded me of a saucy ragdoll. After singing the two songs, she sauntered backstage once more, this time changing into a pink and white cowboy yeti-esque jacket, to finish the show with an electrifying, stomping “Strict Machine”. I was pretty disappointed that Goldfrapp didn’t sing “Satin Chic” or even “Lovely 2 C U”, but hands down “Strict Machine” was one powerful, thrilling climax to a sensational performance from beginning to end, leaving us drifting on a total high. We left the Palace with “Oompah Radar” playing, practically trooping us out with playful, sinister ease. Overall, Goldfrapp was absolutely worth paying the $90. I’m so glad I bought the ticket (while I could still afford to). She is a fantastic performer and artist; despite her relatively modest set design and props, she was thoroughly engaging and euphoric with a rich neo-baroque theatrical sensibility. More entertainers should take notes from her.

Please come back again soon, Goldfrapp! YOU ARE HOT AND WE LOVE YOU!

I found a link to a review that features photos of Goldfrapp in pretty much the exact same ensemble of costumes. Gotta say I would love to sift through her wardrobe; so many (literally) bright gems.

This was pretty much her setlist:

Crystalline Green
I Wanna Life
You Never Know
Rocket
Head First
Number 1
Believer
Alive
Shiny and Warm
Train
Ride a White Horse
Ooh La La

Encore:
Utopia
Black Cherry

Second encore:
Strict Machine (SO EFFING AMAZING)