Formation - Pleasure

It hasn’t been easy for Formation to stay in the spotlight. First, the LCD Soundsystem comparisons they basked in were in tatters by the time James Murphy decided to give this music thing another go. And then Beyoncé’s talking-point ‘Formation’ single made these Londoners the most ungoogleable of new bands.

It’s fine, though. Because new single ‘Pleasure’ is Will and Matt Ritson’s first serious stab at the higher leagues. Up there with skyscrapers, helicopters and Donald Trump’s ego, it’s up in the clouds, a devilish party song that twists and turns with every thrill. Cowbell, jazz inflections and Will’s bone-dry vocal are still the core ingredients, but this is the first time Formation’s grand ambition has really clicked into place. Effortlessly huge, it’s the anti-apathy anthem they’ve threatened to make for years.