The Fonda Theatre in the heart of Hollywood proper hosted the indie electronic duo Disclosure for two nights of rowdy dancing. Comprised of siblings Howard and Guy Lawrence, this epic partnership has become quite the powerhouse of talent, showcasing all over America this summer. Their tour culminates in San Francisco at the Treasure Island Music Festival this weekend, and then they head East after. Clearly, the wrath of these strapping young Brits is unstoppable. Together, they produce catchy tune after catchy tune. Experiencing their music in the raw presence of a live show is essential to enjoying it on every level because a Disclosure set awakens every bodily sense.
Without fail, they take to the stage like champs, immediately bursting into “F for You,” and the second the beat drops, the packed house erupts into a jumping frenzy. Intense blasts from the side-stage amps overwhelm everyone’s ears, compelling them to move. The ubiquitous dancing only adds to the imminent vibration from the heavy bass lines. Heads are nodding, bodies are swaying, and cell phones are illuminating the dark corners of the audience as onlookers try to capture enough of the show to share.
Now that everyone is warmed up, it only gets sweatier with “When a Fire Starts to Burn,” which ignites even more movement. The entire balcony rises and a sea of arms wave through the air. As the night continues, every sense is activated. Everyone feels of the bass pounding across their chests. The smell of skunky smoke and sweaty bodies begins to radiate. The electronic zaps, wizzes and synth loops are irresistible and delicious. The cheers of the crowd are audible, yet not even close to overshadowing the super fans singing along to “White Noise.” Even the light show from the back of the stage is enticing with its flashing multicolor strobes and fiery projections of odd shapes and sketchy faces reminiscent of the ones on Settle’s album artwork.
Before “Boiling,” Howard calls out, “Los Angeles! We want to know something. We want to know… Can you party harder than last night’s crowd?” The entire room jumps at the chance and goes crazy when they hear the intro. The Lawrence brothers add even more to the experience by live mixing their songs in addition to playing synth drums, a real bass, cymbals, and harmonizing some of the vocals. Mixing the electronic instruments with real ones blends their music into a dynamic sound that is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Undoubtedly, the rough, choppy beats seem to be a trendy avenue for indie music of this generation; however, Disclosure has a lock on how to mingle the elements just enough to keep it original. Their fire is spread throughout the UK, and luckily it is contagious enough to consume the American new music scene this year, as well.
While rounding out the night, they thank the crowd and acknowledge that they have come a long way from the UK. Suddenly, their signature creepy sketch face from their album artwork projects on the stage backdrop. She lip syncs through “Help Me Lose My Mind,” but by now the audience is so enthralled with what they are hearing that there is no attention on what is visually transpiring. Finishing off with “Latch” keeps most of the people trapped on the dancefloor, unable to trickle out until they have heard every last lick of the show.
If their fans’ refusal to leave is any indication, Disclosure’s music is almost universally irresistible. Just like their fans, these British gents refuse to sit down. They have brought a catchy, refreshing new take on electronic music to the table all year long. It is likely that they get the same response with every additional show. In fact, Friday’s performance is presumably the best dance party the Fonda has seen since… Disclosure’s performance the night before!
Set list
F for You
When a Fire Starts to Burn
Boiling
Flow
You & Me
Grab Her!
White Noise
Voices
What’s in Your Head
Stimulation
Confess to Me
Help Me Lose My Mind
Latch
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