ALBUM: Disclosure 'Caracal' - GigslutzGigslutz

Rating:

Sophomore albums are struggle for any artists, especially if that album follows on from the massive success that was Disclosure’s Settle. The duo’s debut album experience a boom that is nearly impossible to follow. By the sounds of their follow-up album Caracal, they decided not to try and top the past but have instead aimed for a much more back row sound.

Their huge success has allowed them to pull in more big names than ever, with the likes of Lorde and The Weeknd making appearances. The contribution of the latter, ‘Nocturnal’, channels his own smooth R&B sound across a deep soundscape whilst Lorde’s track ‘Magnet’ is steady and seductive. Both these tracks have retained Disclosure’s clean cut style, but remain rather uninspiring. The flat lyrics of each pass by unnoticed, and are frustratingly predictable.

This album still has the good-time high points its predecessor had, but there is a significant absence of frills and general weirdness on this release. The overall sound feels simplified, as though trimmed. Considering the intensity of Settle, this was probably a strong move.

‘Holding On’, with the voice of Gregory Porter, has Disclosure’s familiar bounce and quick beats, but keeps itself on a lower level throughout. The triumphant return of Sam Smith on ‘Omen’ feels much flatter compared to ‘Latch’, but has a far-reaching and enveloping feel that fills the void.

Despite the low-down sound this is still a strong album, the depth and clarity of ‘Hourglass’ and ‘Good Intentions’ showcase sharp talent at its finest. Caracal is not album to blow the world away, nor does it show Disclosure at its best, but its rich depth and strong sound makes it a good release nonetheless.

Caracal is out now via Island Records.