‘The Face’ EP by Disclosure is a showcase of incredible production talent supported by several powerful vocalists, cumulating to a record that is immeasurably entertaining with many hidden intricacies.
This sweet little EP opens with the pulsating bass and smooth rhythms of ‘Boiling’, with guest vocals from an emotive and soulful Sinead Harnett. Her lusciously strong vocals have a beautiful tone, as well as being extremely versatile, thus allowing her to shift from legato to staccato every other line. The track is backed by a lo-fi, bass infested texture inhabited by whirring synth pads and vocal layers. This prequel to the rest of the record has a slight air of mystery, oodles of soul, and a rhythm-driven kick to it.
‘What’s In You Head’ is my least favourite of the EP, though I can’t help but appreciate an acute attention to detail in its production. It begins with a robotic but breathy vocal line, before infinitesimal bass riffs flit through eighties style, synth-organ chords, all supported by an energetic rhythm. Vocal samples (often overly sexual to the point of distastefulness) are repetitively played through various filters, but this does add a wonderful complexity to the track.
A straight drum beat, faintly echoed vocals and an evolving rhythm introduce ‘Lividup’, which quickly breaks to an echoed conversation – think of a stereotypical female American “Oh no you didn’t?!” moment. Low register synth-organs sound incredibly moody and sinister in this setting, as well as bringing a dated-feel to the track (in a positive sense). These moments are balanced by a fast-paced sampled vocal section, which takes obvious inspiration from the Michael Jackson era of soul, and makes the track ingeniously catchy.
Another guest appearance takes place, this time from Ria Ritchie in concluding track ‘Control’. This consists of yet more echoed vocals and pulsating synth lines, with the standout difference coming from Ria’s powerful lower vocal tones. She has an ability to sing with great determination and attitude, highlighted further against a skitter-synth backing and 2-step drumbeat.
Joe Nerini
