'Jaded' A Triumphant Return for Disclosure

On “Jaded,” typically conflict-shy electronic duo Disclosure mocks an unnamed, aging rival. Over a slinking, shimmering techno beat, group member Howard Lawrence coos, “Golden years left you behind / You cannot replace them / Face it or you’ll waste them.” [Fortunately for Disclosure, they are the perfect candidates to chide the uncreative older EDM generation; it seems the British band’s musical zenith has only just begun. With “Jaded,” the second single from its highly anticipated sophomore album, “Caracal,” Disclosure has concocted yet another current, irresistibly catchy pop tune.

Disclosure, composed of Lawrence and his older brother Guy, first stormed the UK music charts with singles from their critically acclaimed 2013 debut album, “Settle.” While the duo typically turns to high-profile guest artists—Lorde, Eliza Doolittle, AlunaGeorge—to provide lead vocals, for “Jaded,” it decided member Howard would be the best fit. The risk pays off: His lilting falsetto, clouded in hazy distortion, sounds eerily similar to––and actually more pleasantly understated––than that of current R&B superstar Sam Smith. An array of 808-drum claps coalesces with a pulsing, playful synthesizer, creating a track that’s at once slick, breezy, and addictive.

Near the song’s conclusion, Lawrence hypnotically repeats, “Cause you’re fading / The game you play has changed.” Even though Disclosure eviscerates the mystery subject of the track, veterans should still thank the duo for helping him them find the next big thing. Much like previous singles “Latch” and “White Noise,” “Jaded” perfectly plays into what young electronic enthusiasts crave: something that feels at home in both an exhilarating European club and trendy London cocktail bar. Despite its name, “Jaded” feels remarkably fresh.