Album Review: The Golden Filter

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The Golden Filter: 'Voluspa' (Brille)

1. Dance Around The Fire
2. Hide Me
3. Look Me In The Eye
4. Moonlight Fantasy
5. Solid Gold
6. The Underdogs
7. Stardust
8. Frejya's Ghost
9. Kiss Her Goodbye
10. Nerida's Gone
11. Thunderbird
12. Here We Go Again






It would appear that 2010 is the year of electro-pop. It started with Delphic, continued with Two Door Cinema Club and Chew Lips and now The Golden Filter have gatecrashed the party. This New York duo have being playing hard to get ever since 'Solid Gold' first started drawing attention back in 2008, but there is no doubt that it has been worth the wait.

From the opening string chords on 'Dance Around The Fire', you are aware that this is not just another debut album. Penelope Trappes' delicate, captivating vocals - recalling Elizabeth Fraser - coupled with Stephen Hindman's gripping arrangements make for a quality piece of work - for once the hype is justified.

Whilst it is only natural for 'Solid Gold' to be focal point - and let's face it, it's hard not to get hooked on it - there are numerous other tracks on the album which are worthy of mention. The aforementioned 'Dance Around The Fire', together with the bouncy 'Hide Me' and the infectious 'Look Me In The Eye' form a cracking opening to the album. The tempo is lowered on the spacey 'Moonlight Fantasy' before the synths kick back in for 'Solid Gold'.

What an opening half to the album! And it's not all over there. 'Stardust' and 'Frejya's Ghost' still keep the engine ticking over, whilst the thunderous 'Thunderbird' will surely be a dancefloor hit this summer. In between, moments of intricate detail on 'The Underdogs' or 'Nerida's Gone' prove that this is duo aren't just a one-track band.

As someone who likes a guitar, I find myself blown away once more by an electronic sound. The synths are back in town and by God they sound good!

NC

NME-Europe rating: 8.5/10
Top Track: 'Hide Me'

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