Thank God for British exports. And by British exports I mean the brothers of Disclosure. The siblings Guy and Howard Lawrence performed in Boston for the first time March 18th. Disregard the fact that the location is technically in Cambridge (Sinclair); Boston’s going to go ahead and take this one. The boys claimed to feel right at home saying “it reminds me of London a little bit.” Well I never. The crowd reciprocated the good vibes with consistent cheering and dancing throughout the night.
The crowd wasn’t always gumdrops and hyphi-pops. Arnold MIOID opened for Disclosure, clinic and as the boys were spinning, the crowd didn’t seem like they weren’t entertained, but more unsure how to react. Thought bubbles read “should I dance” “well he’s not dancing” “I’m socially awkward.” I ultimately concluded that since they were openers, most couldn’t decide if they liked them or not upon first listen. My thoughts? They were good and definitely deserved more than just dancing from the super-positive glow stick children. It was when those beautiful Lawrence brothers finally came on though, everyone lost it. The girl beside me nearly threw herself off the balcony when attempting to reach out for the guys.
The guys began their set with one of the brothers singing, starting with a more personable touch, a rather uncommon element for producers. This shouldn’t come by surprise seeing as they grew up with more structured songs and genres like 80s pop, hip hop, and soul-not necessarily House music. Despite the fact that House music blew up in the UK during the 90s, the boys weren’t really obsessed with it just yet. In an interview with Slacker, the guys didn’t start off obsessed but in the past 3 years have grown passionate about House music saying it is “the most important thing coming out of the UK.” But because of their varied tastes and musical parents, their sounds are eclectic.
Disclosure played nearly all the songs off their EP, The Face, while also showcasing new songs off their album that is said to release sometime in March/April. Pop vocalist Jessie Ware makes a guest appearance off the album in “Please Don’t Let Go,” which they performed under blue and red flashing lights. The track features Guy on drums and Howard on beats. The song vibes similar to “White Noise.” And yes, “White Noise” was played. And yes, it was everything and more. Howard was multitasking the guitar and beats, balancing so many sounds for the perfect eargasm. When the drop came, I literally saw stars (great visual effects, I must say).
“Latch” was the last song of the night. The boys initially ended with another song they did with Jessie Ware (just a teaser) and claimed to have finished. But of course, they did a two part song encore, ending with nice chords and Sam Smith’s untouchable vocals. The guys haven’t ditched sample sounds like the club track, “What’s In Your Head,” which once had them labeled solely as dance music, but they have proved to be more than a one trick pony, which is respectful not selling-out. Though they did sell out that night. Congrats.
Here’s hoping they have another American tour soon for those of you who missed them this time around.