Listen to Disclosure’s new album, ‘Alchemy’
Out today, the 11-track project takes a “back to basics approach” with no guest features or samples
Disclosure have dropped a surprise new album, ‘Alchemy’, on Apollo Records via AWAL Recordings. Listen to the project below.
Announced yesterday, the album coincides with the 10th anniversary of the UK production duo’s best-selling debut album, ‘Settle’. Marking a bold and introspective next step for the project, ‘Alchemy’ features no samples or guest features, and has been released independently.
Unlike previous Disclosure releases, the album was written with an inward-facing approach, drawing on the personal experiences of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence who were described as “being at two very different points in their lives.” While Guy was recently married and settling into a new home in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, Howard was dealing with heartbreak and feeling jaded from the duo’s 150-date tour. “All our other albums were written in third person,” said Guy. “Before now, very few of our songs were about things that happened to us and our lives.”
“There was this combination of deep heartbreak and sadness, but also deep admiration and appreciation. Let’s turn this horrible feeling into something beautiful. The whole idea was to channel pain into beauty – which, in hindsight, is always the aim," added Howard.
‘Alchemy’ reflects this spectrum of emotions with tracks nodding to synth-heavy trance, house, jungle, bass, and techno. Howard also provides more of his own vocals and lyrics than ever before, adding to the personal feel of the record, which takes a “back to basics” approach to the creative process. “This record is a celebration of us feeling liberated right now,” said Guy. “We’re no longer signed to a major record label. We’re not going to tour this record. We can do whatever we like and be super creative.”
Work on the LP began as the siblings wrapped up the world tour for 2020’s album, ‘Energy’. Howard temporarily relocated from London to LA and began writing sketches, joined in the studio by friends and collaborators Max Margolis and DonnyBravo. After receiving the demos, Guy spent many weeks absorbing them fully before adding his own touches, and then reversing the process. Finally, they met up together in London to finish the record.
The ‘Alchemy’ artwork, hand-made by Welsh textile artist Llinos Owen and based on a photo by George Muncey, features the brothers for the first time since their debut album ‘Settle’ — which is marking its 10th anniversary with a special edition vinyl reissue next month.
The brothers threw an album release party last night at People’s Park Tavern in Hackney, London.
Listen to the full album below.
