When it comes to ecstatic disco UK producers are top of the league. From northern soul days to the beginnings of rave, upbeat soul’s always been a staple in British culture. American producers might have lost their way in tribal over the last decade, the classic disco-house sound’s still well and truly alive over here (as proved last year with ‘Lola’s Theme’s phenomenal success). It’s of course been bastardised again and again – often to pathetic results – but when done well, it’ll forever bring back fond memories of uplifting highs. The Freemasons (aka James Wiltshire and Russell
Small) have already proved their worth but this, the first release on their newly conceived imprint Freemaison, is possibly stronger than anything they’ve done before – not least for the talent of the featured female vocalist who’s really going for it. Starting off with a bit of tension, a latin tinged piano riff doubled up by strings, ‘Watchin’ quickly turns into one of those nostalgic northern anthems that keeps on echoing in the night long after the party’s come to a close. Disco, like other music genres, is never more meaningful (and realistic) than when it combines the rollercoaster mix of emotions that life offers: from happiness to sadness and back. The blueprint here is timeless; lots have had a go: Brothers In Rhythm, Inner City, er, Take That even. Indeed ‘Watchin’ can be filed as pop music – some of the anthems of Studio 54, Paradise Garage, the Hacienda and Renaissance did too – and for many that poppy disco’s still more fun, invigorating or poignant even than most of what fills the charts these days.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Jerry Bouthier
