Energy is the first album in five years from Disclosure brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence — similar to their early laid-back house music, but less urgent and more textured.
The title track uses cut up samples of hip-hop preacher Eric Thomas, whose words appeared on 2013’s When a Fire Starts to Burn — the year Disclosure had two consecutive top 10 hit singles. Carnivalesque percussion builds to create a clubbier feel, and the album’s key message materialises: “Where your focus goes, your energy flows”. This central theme emerges repeatedly — My High, with rappers Aminé and slowthai, fades out with a repeated “I got energy”.
Artists from across the globe are featured. Common and Kelis sit alongside Cameroon’s Blick Bassy and Malian folk artist Fatoumata Diawara, who sings on Douha (Mali Mali), a feelgood ode to the country. Kehlani and Syd guest on Birthday. The sultry, early Noughties R&B vibes have created a seductive and hooky song summing up the awkward relationship between exes.
Written “really quickly”, this collection of songs doesn’t really flow as an album - but as a gathering of stand-alone club bangers, this is energetic and diverse.
