WALT DISCO: SELF-TITLED REVIEW

“A tale of hope, acceptance, and strength.”

Photo: walt disco by Celia Croft

As October gets into full swing, so does the new era of walt disco. The band have just released their 3rd studio album, the eponymously named opus that is ‘walt disco’. An ironic and impressive feat for a band who at one point almost abandoned their current name all together. The record is their first release with new label EMI North, the first (and only) UK major record label with a regional outpost.

With a penchant for sentimental lyricism and arena sized anthems, the band often find themselves regarded in the same vein as artists like The National, Editors and Self Esteem. Coupled a Bowie esque attitude towards their art and conceptual cohesion, walt disco projects always push the limits visually too.

This new self-titled era is more monochromatic and introspective than any of their previous releases, which is why it makes total sense for it to come right now, 8 years after their first single.

The album explores the pressures of life in your mid-twenties. Dealing with changing relationships, toxic friendships, self-identity and unhealthy coping mechanisms, all whilst trying to navigate gender dysphoria and an absolutely brutal industry to pot. But it is also a tale of hope, acceptance, and strength. Let’s get into it ey?

Photo: walt disco by Celia Croft

The thumping drum beat of opening track, ‘My Body Knows When to Run’ slowly marches us into the record, preparing us for emotional battlefield that the protagonist – lead singer Jocelyn Si – is about to explore over the next 42 minutes. The opening lyric, “I’ve been busy doing God’s work for him, don’t need a sign it’s alright” sets the tone for the rest of the album, which although delves into some deep and painful chapters, it never wallows. Self-pity is a thing of the past on this record, with Jocelyn encouraging us to use the things we’ve been through to grow; be that relationships or difficult situations. Trusting your own instincts and backing yourself is another powerful theme here, making it a hopeful track that only comes from years of experience and a personal journey of self-acceptance.

The emotionally charged ‘Don’t Do This Alone’, shows off Jocyeln’s incredible vocal range – which feels almost operatic. Seemingly speaking to her younger self, she has some advice on how to break away from old self-destructive habits and strive for a new relationship with yourself: “Now forgive all your scars, get out of the bar. Fucking do some work to be who you are.”

The track also depicts how difficult it is to admit you need help from those that you love, but revels in the joy that can be found in tackling those problems together.

Lucky for us, we were treated to singles ‘Lies’ and ‘Coup de Foudre’ before the album release, and both were added to the coveted BBC 6 Music playlist, a testament to their wide appeal. ‘Don’t Do This Alone’ was also added this week – the perfect way to celebrate the album’s release.

‘Lies’ with its catchy beat and sing-along-able chorus has a cinematically nostalgic feel. With a music video inspired by found footage horror – proving that walt disco can find inspiration in even the most unusual of places. The song itself deals with the dual horror of lying to yourself, and realising everything you believed was a lie. The necessary realisation that even though believing the lie was easier, for personal growth it’s time to face the truth.

‘Coup de Foudre’, which translates to “Lightening Strike” and is a French colloquialism for a sudden and intense romantic attraction, is a real stand out track. It’s a fun danceable rock tune that harks back to the early 2000s electro indie classics like Friendly Fires that almost has us reaching for our skinny jeans and neon rimmed Topman glasses … almost.

Conceptually, ‘Warm Face’ is one of the most interesting on the album, a contemplative track that looks forward to looking back. It’s written from the perspective of the band’s future selves, reflecting on their life and being grateful for what they have experienced. It’s a true celebration of good friends and beautiful memories, garnered from living life to the fullest.

This sentimental node is mirrored in ‘Look Out For Me’, a lovely heartfelt piano ballad thanking the people who have been there through tough times. The song delicately portrays the stigma around struggling with depression and the agonising wait between deciding you need help and it actually arriving. A truly beautiful, honest and vulnerable piece of lyricism.

As the album comes to a close we are left with a message of hope, strength and resilience; the fuzzy distorted guitars on ‘My Body is Still Mine’ symbolising the breakthrough of self-acceptance as Jocelyn sings: “My body is still mine and it’s okay that I’m not fine”.

Photo: walt disco by Celia Croft

After spending so much of the album in the very real and at times very painful world, we end it with Jocelyn telling us that she needs some time to be alone in ‘Wonderland’, ending with the triumphant message: “Here comes the start of our lives”.

Walt disco’s self-titled is a fantastic piece of work that perfectly encapsulates where they are as a band, it’s music for a coming of age movie, written by the worldly wise. There’s drama, decadence and dreams, yet there’s also an honest depiction of the messy, mindful and meditative states it takes to achieve them. Walt disco’s self-titled is a journey of self-acceptance, self-criticism and self-belief, with a promise of better days on the horizon.

The band have been celebrating the birth of this new self-titled era with a series of in-stores across the country, with a set at Bristol’s Rough Trade still to come on 17th October.

A full UK Tour is scheduled for early 2027 – including a homecoming show at Glasgow’s iconic King Tuts next January. For tickets head to: https://waltdisco.com/live/.

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