Disclosure – The Face EP

It’s fair to say that South London’s Guy & Howard Lawrence, a.k.a. Disclosure have become the poster boys for ‘bass music’ somewhat after their recent meteoric rise. The teenage brotherly duo have been around for a couple of years already incredibly, but it’s in the last few months that their stock has begun to rise considerably.

Touring with the likes of SBTRKT has no doubt helped bring on their talents, while a series of solid releases and remixes – most notably of Jessie Ware’s ‘Running’ has helped them find their signature sound and a whole new legion of fans.

Their latest EP, ‘The Face’ continues their current trend, combining summery chords and spliced female vocals with classic house and garage elements. Opening track ‘Boiling’, featuring vocals from Sinead Harnett was the first single to be released from the EP in April, and will no doubt be one for those sunny days thanks to its infectious melody and warm bassline.

‘What’s In Your Head’ has already gone viral around the internet thanks to a raunchy unofficial video and is certainly one for those peak-times on the dancefloor, with sexual groans accompanying another female vocal and some mesmeric chords. ‘Lividup’ continues in much the same vein, with another cut-up vocal sample pairing nicely with a catchy bassline for more party vibes. It’s hardly anything new, but the pair still manage to make it sound fresh and breathe new ideas into an already well-done concept.

Final cut ‘Control’, featuring up-and-coming singer/songwriter Ria Ritchie was debuted as the ‘Hottest Record in the World’ on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show last week, highlighting the pair’s compatibility across the board on national radio and showing why the duo have got other artists queuing up to work with them.

Disclosure have certainly set the bar high with ‘The Face’ in terms of future output matching it, but given the current hot streak they’re on, you wouldn’t bet against them beating it come their next release.

9/10

Purchase at: InSound (Vinyl) | Piccadilly Records | Norman Records | Rise