Review Summary: The Disclosure record that the heads have been waiting for.
Fans new and old congregated for the last Disclosure album, which came five years after “Caracal,” and seven years after the duo's last truly excellent full-length. Aptly titled "Energy," the LP saw them experiment with more house-forward tunes, even dabbling in acid and hip-hop, undoubtedly influenced by the variety and accessibility of the DJ circuit they’d been traversing for the last several years. Their newest release, however, sees them return to roots with an energy like never before. Make no mistake, on “Alchemy,” Disclosure make full commitment and go the distance.
The duo’s current state of mind and presence within their artistic process is in the album’s name, and all over its track titles—“Higher Than Ever Before,” “Go The Distance,” “Purify”—if you’re on the hunt for fresh, inspired dance music, look no further. It’s no coincidence that “Alchemy” is independently released, as its feel is certainly more underground and free-flowing than Disclosure’s music has felt for over a decade.
Rooted in garage house with nods to 2-step, dubstep, and even jungle, the tunes here glide effortlessly, confident in their voice. Speaking of voice, the record is devoid of guest features, but offers plenty of vocal tracks. These tunes feel more like vocal dubs, blurring the line between pop and underground flavor in much the same way that Disclosure’s heroes did—with precision. This precision, along with the heart-forward, free-spirit quality of “Alchemy” make for a delightful, albeit short listen, perfect for the summer season. If the festivals it will accompany aren’t your speed, just throw on a pair of headphones and make moves at home. I guarantee you’ll want to re-rewind the second it’s over.
