Review: Tom Aspaul Takes Us to the "Black Country Disco"
The UK singer takes us back to his happy place as he finds himself once more.
From last year’s Madonna single “God Control,” to the sonic escape of Dua Lipa’s current revelation Future Nostalgia, disco pop is back in a big way. Gay English artist Tom Aspaul fits perfectly within this movement, giving even mirrorball queen Kylie Minogue — a singer Aspaul has written for — a run for her money on his debut album Black Country Disco, out today. Aspaul collaborated with producer Gil Lewis on the glittering LP, which spans ten, tight-and-right modern disco tracks.
“Black Country Intro”
The Black Country is a part of the West Midlands of England, named for its role in the Industrial Revolution, when a high amount of air pollution occurred. Like a light emerging from those black skies, Aspaul’s voice sounds occluded until it becomes marvelously clear that you’re listening to the at once confident and coy voice of a great singer.
“Close 2 Me”
A perfect opener, “Close 2 Me” introduces listeners to Aspaul in more than one way. The would-be new conquest Aspaul sings to learns he is weary of new connections, and will “let you down if you get too close to me.” The track also gives the listener a little more insight into Aspaul’s life, having moved to London at only 14-years-old.
“Carnelian”
This brilliant ode to the complexities of gay romance seems sonically inspired by Madonna’s timeless disco masterpiece Confessions On A Dance Floor, in the best of ways. Aspaul sings of the new companion his lover has found, now sharing their old bed. It’s a heartbreaking, yet dance floor-ready song that seemingly explores the idea of an open relationship — or at least one that a third person has entered.
“Tender”
Continuing the story from “Carnelian,” Aspaul knows the relationship is over and is feeling tender from his man breaking it off. The soaring chorus is pure ear candy. “I don’t think that I could start again / You know it’s gonna be a cold September.”
“Traces”
While it could easily be mistaken as another heartbreak anthem, “Traces” is about an even more intensely personal matter for the star. Describing “Traces” to Genius, Aspaul said, “Traces” is an incredibly sad and personal song – I thought it was important to explain what it’s about – even though I’m happy for it to be interpreted as a song about romantic heartbreak, it’s not. I’ve touched on the subject matter before in my song “Going Down”. In 2011, a close friend of mine took their own life. From time to time, even eight years later, especially when I was feeling low, or drunk or even when everything was great – something would trigger all those horrible memories – usually the smell of his cologne. “Traces” is about how cruel it was that my memories were fading and how bittersweet it can be to sense someone you’ve lost nearby, only to realise it’s in your imagination.
“Euston”
“Euston” is an interlude that sonically moves the album to new places. The titular Euston is a central London railway terminal where the “W.M.” — West Midlands Trains — run. Once again an occluded voice returns, this time that of a railway overhead speaker.
“W.M.”
A standout on the album, “W.M” is a clever and catchy track about leaving the disco to go on your own adventure away from those you know. The line “Are you out of your mind if you let your head go,” recalls Spice Girls legend Victoria Beckham’s 2003 banger “Let Your Head Go,” and reads like a lovable tribute. The tight production from Lewis complements Aspaul’s vocals so well, it feels like a cohesive ode to creating your own safe space literally anywhere… from the West Midlands Trains to your single bed.
“Dead Already (Save Yourself)”
Seemingly the most emotional track on the LP, “Dead Already (Save Yourself)” at once keeps things danceable, yet informs the listener of just what Aspaul had been going through in a past relationship.
“01902”
The lyric “Would you like to live deliciously” recalls a devilish line from film director Robert Eggers’ 2015 occult opus The Witch and a recent photo set on Aspaul’s not-afraid-to-go-there Instagram account.
“Black Country Disco”
“Black Country Disco” opens with rain, from which Aspaul’s voice emerges like a phoenix reborn. Another contender for catchiest track on the album, the song is about reclaiming your light after darkness and going full circle back to your happy place.
Listen to Black Country Disco on Apple Music or Spotify.
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