7/10

With 2023 marking the ten-year anniversary of their stunning breakthrough debut LP 'Settle', it is fair to say that a lot has happened since Disclosure dropped that game-changing record. Delivering a wealth of instantly recognisable club anthems since then, the creativity and evolution within their sound has always been at the forefront of their ambitions, forever moving forward and unveiling the next chapter of their style as often as possible. And now after zero fanfare, the brothers Lawrence release their fourth studio album 'Alchemy', a record that sees them return back to basics.

Unlike any full-length release we have had from them up until now, 'Alchemy' features no guest artists and uses no samples to create its aesthetic, showing that their next innovative moment was to return to a simpler time. But while they have always been a project that looks to appeal to the daytime radio audience as much as the late night clubber, 'Alchemy' sees them fully immerse themselves back within the nightlife they first emerged from, delivering a wonderfully fresh and energetic collection of club bangers brimming with a captivating intensity throughout.

It may feel a little departed from their usually adventurous dance-pop direction they have cemented themselves with since their earliest beginnings, but 'Alchemy' still makes for a brilliantly fresh and enjoyable listen. Trimming back much of their usual commercial inclinations for something far more at home in a late night setting shows that they are still very much connected to their roots and willing to honour those fans that have stuck by them up until now.