Goldfrapp’s critically acclaimed debut, Felt Mountain, was a masterpiece of vocal electronica.

On Black Cherry, their latest album, they don’t have anything to proove. Instead, Alison Goldfrapp gets sexed-up and delivers dark dance electronica with a retro feel.

Black Cherry is more accessible than Felt Mountain, and it has thrown some listeners for a loop. On first listen, it sounds like a different band, possibly a European synth band from the 80’s. However, when Goldfrapp sings, her distinctive voice makes it clear who it is.

The songs are earthier than on Felt Mountain, much earthier. Goldfrapp gets off on the “Train”, a retro synth romp that sounds like they stole a song out of the Soft Cell songbook. On “Twist” Goldfrapp sings “Put your dirty angel face between my legs and knicker lace. Fight me, try me, kiss me like you like me. Twist it round, again and again.”

Straight to the point and more than a little naughty. Goldfrapp out-fakes Donna Summer with the orgasmic intensity of her singing on this ode to oral love. Fortunately, the music is done with such style and passion that it all works.

The fun continues with “Strict Machine” This is techno erotica at its best.

I get high on a buzz
Then a rush when I’m plugged in you
I connect
When I’m flush
You get love when told what to do

“I’m in love with a strict machine” is the chorus. We’re not sure what this means, but it reminds us a little of Berlin and some of the sexy synth sirens of the 80’s.

You can read what you want into lyrics like this…but I’m pretty sure that they’re obscene. I think I’ll give “Black Cherry” a few more plays and find out for sure.