Music & Concerts
Disclosure hits sophomore slump
High-profile guests can’t salvage mediocre ‘Caracal’
Despite an impressive guest roster, Disclosure flounders on sophomore album. (Photo courtesy PMR/Island)
The talented young British brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence (21 and 24 respectively) earned instant acclaim for their 2013 debut album “Settle,” an invigorating electro-pop marvel featuring a number of terrific guest appearances and some of the best dance pop in recent memory.
Guy Lawrence told PrideSource in 2014 that he and his brother, although straight, were inspired by house and garage music in the gay clubs they visited in their native UK. Those exhilarating sounds informed their stellar debut, which was hailed by critics and was widely recognized as one of 2013’s best albums. They play D.C.’s EchoStage Oct. 21-22.
Numerous tracks from “Settle” became club favorites, including in prominent gay venues, and they were even rumored to be working with Madonna on her last album (which never came to fruition). Anticipation for the sequel to “Settle” has been sky-high. Unfortunately, their eagerly anticipated follow-up album “Caracal,” released Sept. 25, falls well short of the lofty standards set by their debut.
Trouble begins right away with the opening track “Nocturnal,” feature phenom the Weeknd on vocals. It’s bland and repetitive mid-tempo electro-R&B with very little in the way of a memorable melodic hook. Disclosure puts “Nocturnal” in the prominent opening slot, but the song itself is no more than average at best. It sounds like a Ne-Yo throwaway and drags on for nearly seven tedious minutes. Not a good omen.
Speaking of omens, the big reunion with Sam Smith, the openly gay British superstar who exploded on the international pop scene with his feature on Disclosure’s “Latch” from “Settle,” is entitled “Omen.” Unfortunately it lacks the immediacy and excitement of “Latch” and seems little more than an excuse for the team to get back together. The melody is forgettable and the track slinks away forgotten as soon as the last beats stutter out.
“Holding On,” featuring esteemed jazz and R&B vocalist Gregory Porter, is surprisingly limp and dated. Its beats and production tricks would have sounded fresh perhaps in 1997. “Hourglass,” with the talented New York-based R&B duo Lion Babe on vocals, has a nice groove and some terrific vocals. Lion Babe adds some elegance and charm, but again the song is betrayed by insipid electronic rhythms that don’t have much punch.
The big guest appearance is New Zealand pop star Lorde, who adds her breathy vocals to the track “Magnets.” It’s stripped down electro-pop similar to what Lorde offered up on her debut album. It’s one of the better moments on “Caracal,” which isn’t saying a whole lot. It’s clear the Howard brothers were intent on emulating Lorde’s sound and while they do an adequate job, it’s also faintly pointless. The track might have been good enough to make the cut on Lorde’s debut album — maybe — but it certainly would not have been a standout. As a high-powered collaboration between two exciting and influential new artists, it underwhelms.
Miguel is the other high-profile guest appearance, and his vocals on “Good Intentions” are fine, but the song itself is yet another that’s just average. Disclosure brings in some of the most exciting pop artists around and does basically nothing with them. These songs could be sung by anybody and would have the same (minimal) impact. They’re not horrible; just a huge letdown after “Settle.”
Artistic exploration is fine. The downside is that sometimes it reveals artistic limitations. While their debut was exciting and bold, “Caracal” feels uncertain and cautious. But they’re young. Hopefully more exciting things are yet to come from this promising duo.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
Music & Concerts
Queer mega stars (and allies) ready to take D.C. stages this fall
Watch LGBTQ icons light up stages across the DMV as they sing, dance, and drag their way through spectacular shows.
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by catching LGBTQ performers (and their allies) lighting up some of the D.C. area’s biggest stages. From country and pop to drag and rock, the season is packed with shows you won’t want to miss.
Maren Morris – The country, rock, and pop diva—known for hits like “The Bones” and for standing up against Nashville’s anti-LGBTQ voices—takes the stage at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
RuPaul – The mother of modern drag and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will spin a DJ set at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE) in Northeast D.C. on Sept. 20. Before RuPaul swaps wigs for headphones, Trade and Number 9 owner Ed Bailey will warm up the decks. For tickets and details visit echostage.com.
Conan Gray – The queer pop prince, celebrated for his Gen Z anthems like “Heather” and “Maniac,” brings his Wishbone Pajama Show to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, (4500 Patriot Cir) on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $113. For more info visit shop.conangray.com/pages/tour.
All Things Go Music Festival – With a lineup that includes Noah Kahan, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, Clairo, Doechii, and more, the beloved LGBTQ-friendly festival takes over Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.) Sept. 26–28. For tickets and details visit allthingsgofestival.com.
BERTHA: Grateful Drag – This unique tribute brings drag artistry and the sounds of the Grateful Dead to The Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) on Sept. 27. Tickets start at $47 at theatlantis.com.
Peach PRC – Rising Australian pop star and out lesbian, whose confessional tracks like “Perfect for You” and “Forever Drunk” have made her a queer TikTok darling, performs at The Atlantis on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The show is general admission only. Additional details are on theatlantis.com.
Addison Rae – The TikTok star-turned-pop princess, who’s crossed over into music with glossy hits like “Diet Pepsi” brings her sold out show to The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) on Sept. 30. Tickets are sold out, but resale options start around $80. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – Celebrate the cult classic that’s been a queer midnight-movie staple for decades, with Barry Bostwick (a.k.a. Brad Majors) at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41 via Ticketmaster.
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills – Four legends, one stage. Between Khan’s funk, LaBelle’s soul, Knight’s R&B, and Mills’ powerhouse vocals, this concert at Capital One Arena (601 F St NW) on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. promises pure diva magic. Tickets start at $103. For more details visit capitalonearena.com.
Lorde – Joined by The Japanese House and Chanel Beads, the Grammy-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter behind “Royals” and “Solar Power” returns to The Anthem on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Lorde has long been embraced by queer fans for her dreamy pop and subversive lyrics. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) – The British queer rock icon, best known for synth-pop classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” brings his Ten Crowns Tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90.45.
Doechii – The self-described queer “Swamp Princess”—and WorldPride 2025 headliner—continues her breakout year with the Live from the Swamp Tour at The Anthem on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Known for blending rap, R&B, and avant-garde performance art, Doechii is one to watch. Tickets start at $153.
Neon Trees – The out-and-proud Utah rockers behind “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Lead singer Tyler Glenn, who came out publicly in 2014, has become a strong queer voice in alternative rock. For tickets and info visit impconcerts.com.
Sasha Colby – The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 winner strips down on the Stripped II Tour at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets available now on Ticketmaster.
Lola Young – The bisexual indie-pop sensation, whose raw songwriting has earned her millions of TikTok fans and multiple chart soaring hits visits The Anthem on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Opera Lafayette
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido
+ Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
PostClassical Ensemble
The Pale Blue Do: A Musical Voyage Inspired By Nature
Featuring National Geographic’s Enric Sala, Guest Curator
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater
Washington Concert Opera
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
An intimate a capella concert taking place in an architectural jewel, featuring cherished choral gems from Anglican and Catholic tradition and early American hymns. The concert will also present the world premiere of Christopher Hoh’s Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and hymn singing featuring Robert Church, organist and choirmaster at St David’s.
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 5 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live
Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.
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