Walt Disco – Unlearning
Walt Disco's much-anticipated debut album, Unlearning, is gritty, melodramatic, and a little bit batshit
Glasgow-based six-piece Walt Disco are known to lean into the theatrics, and on their debut album, Unlearning, it feels very much like they’ve had their ears to the West End of Glasgow and their eyes on the West End of London.
Never ones to conform to tradition, however, Walt Disco’s musical takes more tips from Leos Carax than it does Stephen Sondheim – even the album’s artwork feels like more than a slight nod to Carax’s 2021 rock opera Annette. And much like Annette, Unlearning is gritty, melodramatic, and a little bit batshit.
The album is split into two halves, separated by the aptly-titled and suitably eerie instrumental track, The Costume Change. But as much as there’s the kind of zesty glam-rock Walt Disco do so well, there are also hints of the influence of hyperpop sprinkled throughout, from album opener Weightless, through to Hold Yourself As High As Her, and album closer If I Had a Perfect Life.
Unlearning is a daring and ambitious debut from a band who aren't afraid to take risks in order to achieve their vision, and for Walt Disco it’s a risk that’s paid off.
Listen to: Cut Your Hair, Be An Actor