After the comparably sedate 'Seventh Tree', Goldfrapp have returned to their stomping, sexy synth-pop roots for their fifth album. 'Head First' is a compact, upbeat affair with nary a bum note to be heard.

A quick glance at Goldfrapp's career trajectory since 2000's 'Felt Mountain' will reveal a band unafraid to experiment. Although at times it did seem like Will Gregory and Alison Goldfrapp were comfortable in their glam synth-pop groove, their reinvention with 2008's 'Seventh Tree' freshened things up admirably, although it wasn't as commercially successful as their previous records. It did, however, pose a valid question on what direction the duo would take next.

It's a little strange, then, that they've reverted to the layered synths and punchy drums of their 'Supernature' era – but considering that album's radiance, you won't hear many complaints. 'Head First' is a zippy modern pop album that may not push boundaries, but still peaks with several top-notch tunes and an underbelly that shimmers, gurgles and snaps.

Upbeat tunes like 'Rocket', 'Believer' and 'Alive' further establish Gregory and Goldfrapp as two of the best writers of addictive pop tunes in Britain right now; all euphoric choruses, sultry vocals and riffs that ping like a piece of metal in a pinball machine. They offset the softer, more drawn out numbers skilfully; 'Hunt' in particularly is a brilliantly spacey tune, although it would probably have been better placed as the album closer.

Nonetheless, when you can afford to veto songs as brilliant as 'I Wanna Life' (a tune positively dripping in '80s Van Halen-style cheese) for the lead single, you know you're on to a good thing. Where will Goldfrapp go next? Haven't we asked that question after all of their albums? And have they let us down yet?