Death Disco presents Hercules and Love Affair @ The Arches, 19 Mar

Bursting on to the scene in a shimmering cloud of disco techni-colour, Hercules & Love Affair were one of the most distinctive acts of the last decade, popularising a revivalist sound that has only continued to grow since. Sounding as though they were a forgotten act from years past, the influence of 1970s New York disco is immediately striking. Returning with a new album entitled Blue Songs, the group have continued to explore inspiration from previous time periods. There’s certainly a vintage feel to their new material, with the use of analogue snyths still vital to their production. Yet for their new album they’ve leaped forward a decade or so, embracing the sound of Chicago and the early House music movement. While the touches of disco glamour are still there, along with the ever distinctive vocals of lead singer Andy Butler, Hercules & Love Affair have clearly progressed.

The group definitely don’t suffer from second album syndrome, with single My House already proving popular with countless remixes ensuring that it’s been played out on plenty of dancefloors already. It’s a very timely opportunity to hear it and the rest of the group’s fresh material at Death Disco this month. Seeing a live group headline a club can always offer some variety, making it a little more of an occasion than the standard one man and a pair of decks set up. The live Hercules & Love Affair show should allow for more of a spectacle and more interaction with the audience; a bit of indulgence in camp showmanship will definitely never be out of place at Death Disco.

There isn’t much that immediately springs to mind when you think of Belgium, beyond waffles and chocolate that is. However, a quick glance at the country’s disco scene makes you think that things might just be changing. Villa are following in the footsteps of Belgian counterparts Aeroplane, building a reputation for fine disco-flavoured Balearic house that’s worthy of spreading out beyond their homeland. They first grabbed the attention with their cover of dancefloor classic Beats of Love, as well as their staggering ability to rework Keane into something actually enjoyable. They’ve kept up the pace lately, with recent edits of Yeasayer and Adele garnering endless blogosphere praise. As this is their second Death Disco appearance they’ll have the opportunity to build a Glasgow audience and lay a clear claim to being Belgium’s next great musical export.

All four of Death Disco’s rotating residents will appear at this month’s with a second appearance in succession for Hahaha. His undoubtedly original sound and absorbing live sets have made him stand out from countless other young Glasgow producers, earning him upcoming live slots at Mixed Bizness and Subcity parties in addition to his DJ support sets at Death Disco. It can be easy to forget the club’s recurring support when placed alongside a string of international guests, but the addition of Hahaha is a reminder of Death Disco’s recognition of talent closer to home.