The gently plucked acoustic guitars on opener "Clowns" may seem like an uncomfortable step in a mainstream direction for Goldfrapp, but fans should fear not: "Seventh Tree" is as deliciously subversive, and in some cases more so, as the duo's past work. Alison Goldfrapp's voice remains a wondrous instrument, capable of translating indeterminate lyrics into melodies that refuse to dislodge from the brain ("A&E," "Cologne Cerrone Houdini"). For sure, the song forms are more universal here, and the production is a lot smoother than the in-your-face, oversexed electro found on 2005's "Supernature." But great, weird little touches abound, from the pitch-modified vocal outro of "Happiness," the moody, Far East instrumentalism of the Eurythmics-y "Road to Somewhere" and the buzzing rhythmic undercurrent of the out-and-out pop tune "Caravan Girl." The act's willingness to experiment is refreshing, and the result is an album that's as unique as it is easy to love. —Jonathan Cohen