Allure present, but lost with art school

Former British art student Allison Goldfrapp (with musical partner/composer Will Gregory) paints a picture of electronic mysticism and allure with her second full-length, Black Cherry. With roots in synth-driven eloquence, song titles like "Crystalline Green" tell all. While the vocal and lyrical innocence of tracks like "Black Cherry," backed by synth strings and light percussion, create an enigmatic trap for the dreamy and romantic, other attempts at this sound fall empty. Maybe it's the harpsichord sound or the dull, repetitive drones on "Deep Honey," but some tracks just sound like a spacey French electronica throwback -- the kind that makes for good background music for mods but nothing else. There's more spaciness than enigma. When Goldfrapp gets a little speedier and funkier, with more techno-influenced beats and happier vocals, Black Cherry is more interesting. In the end, the aesthetic of the album is what holds attention instead of any message or technique. Unfortunately, the aesthetic is art school aloofness mixed with vintage trendiness, leaving anyone searching for something to remember in vain.