Goldfrapp Channel Disco Hits, '80s Pop on 'Head First'

The death of disco is said to have taken place in US during the summer of '79, but for London electronic band Goldfrapp, disco is alive and well -- in the members' hearts, at least. The duo heavily channels disco beats on its upcoming album, 'Head First,' out March 23 stateside, which frontwoman Alison Goldfrapp says is a conscious influence.

"Disco is something that's always inspired us, even on albums like [2000's] 'Felt Mountain,' which might be hard to believe," Goldfrapp tells Spinner. "I've always loved all that old disco music. They're such epic, melancholic songs over a beat you can dance to."

Disco isn't the only influence Goldfrapp cites on 'Head First.' Alison names a menagerie of genres and artists that flavored the band's latest, ranging from classic synth-punk duo Suicide and Fleetwood Mac to Italian disco and early electronic music. Goldfrapp also mentions Pat Benatar as an inspiration, which is no surprise to those who've heard 'Rocket,' the first single off 'Head First.' The sexy, upbeat track, which dropped March 9, features a synth line straight out of Van Halen's 'Jump' and a pop hook straight out of 1986. However, Goldfrapp claims she's actually not a huge fan of the 1980s overall, despite what seems like the decade's consistent influence on her music.

"In England especially, the fashion and politics in the '80s were pretty dull," Goldfrapp says. "Some of the only British bands I really liked during the era were New Order and Joy Division. There were quite a lot of American things I liked during the '80s, like Prince, but the British things seemed kind of dull."

'Head First' ended up sounding like a fun, sleek interpretation of '70s disco, '80s pop and '90s electronica, which is just fine by Alison Goldfrapp. Her main objective in creating the album was to create something authentic and celebratory, she says. "We wanted to make something a bit like [2005's] 'Supernature,' but simpler and with really strong melodies and a warmer sound," she adds.

The album will be the band's fifth after working together for a little more than 10 years. Throughout that time, Goldfrapp says she's learned quite a bit from creative partner and synth master, Will Gregory. "He's incredibly patient, but I think you have to be working with me," she says, laughing. "I can be very impatient, so I think I've learned how to have patience from working with Will."