It’s been more than two years since Disclosure released their first album Settle in 2013. Since then, brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence have shot to stardom, their debut even scoring a Grammy nomination in 2014 for Best Dance/Electronica Album. They’ve launched the careers of music giants Sam Smith and AlunaGeorge with their sleeper hits “Latch” and “White Noise,” respectively. Renowned for an innovative sound that still draws from past eras of house and electronica, Disclosure set the bar for EDM in the 2010s.
Now, with their new album Caracal, it’s clear the brothers are less inspired, less innovative, and more formulaic. They stay true to their ’80s and ’90s house roots, but with a cleaner edge. Here, it’s clear that Disclosure is aiming for a few top 40 hits rather than experimenting. The album comes complete with a star-studded cast of some of the biggest names in today’s music; Sam Smith is back again, along with teenage New Zealander Lorde, The Weeknd, and others.
The album starts off with a slow burn rather than a bang. The first track, “Nocturnal” is a slow jam that creeps into a full-on banger. The Weeknd’s Michael Jackson-esque vocals purr over a beat that recalls the synth-pop vibes of the group’s first album, though safer and more deliberate.
The following track, “Omen,” is the perfect segue to change tone and pace. Smith’s atmospheric vocals stand out in the album. But it still leaves something to be desired. Their last collaboration “Latch” demanded to be heard, its unique tone and style standing out amid a sea of monotonous EDM. “Omen” is a blatant attempt to recreate the genius of the single that shot both parties to stardom, but it lacks the originality it needs.
By contrast, “Magnets” is one of the album’s standout singles. Lorde’s collaboration with the duo was a match made in heaven. Its uneasiness makes it intriguing and dynamic. Breathtaking lyrics like “Smoking sunset, off Mulholland” paint a picture of Los Angeles’ dismal hollowness and false opulence. And yet the song could still use a bit more. It’s just waiting for someone of the likes of Flume to get their hands on it and elevate it, as he did back in 2013 with his remix of Disclosure’s “You & Me”.
While the album boasts several big names, many of the tracks with vocals from the brothers themselves are more inspired. Such is the case on “Jaded,” with lead vocals provided by the younger of the two brothers, Howard Lawrence.
While Caracal may lack the inspiration and innovation of Disclosure’s first LP, it still upholds the sound and charisma of ’80s and ’90s house that they first aimed to capture.
Listen to “Jaded” by Disclosure below.

Follow Shelby Chapman on Twitter @ShelbyEm15