There are many who celebrated the death of disco. But the new documentary Disco’s Revenge proves that the impact of the genre is still very much alive and well.
Disco’s Revenge takes the viewer back to the early 1970s, a time when New York’s Black and LGBTQ+ communities were looking for ways to be heard. As disco burst forth onto the scene, the pulsating beats elevated the city’s underground dance floor to create an opportunity for social barriers to come tumbling down. While many think of the style as a fad, Revenge speaks to the soul of a genre that may hold far greater musical importance than first assumed.
Directed by Omar Majeed and Peter Mishara, Disco’s Revenge is a fascinating examination of the development of disco and the ways that it moved the cultural needle. Through conversations with an endless stream of music icons from the era like Grandmaster Flash and Nile Rodgers, they delve deeply into the genre stylistically, exploring the message and meaning that’s embedded within each ‘four on the floor’ beat. It is a comprehensive exploration that takes seriously a genre that is often dismissed as anything but ‘fun’.
But the true baseline of Revenge is its heartbeat for justice. Disinterested in merely exploring the origin of the genre itself, Majeed and Mishara point directly to the impact that disco had on marginalized people groups. It was here on the dance floor that members of the 2SLBTQQIA+, Black and White communities all came together under the rhythm of the night. While that may sound like hyperbole, Majeed and Mishara ensure that Revenge offers countless stories of those who have felt empowered by the freedom of the club scene. To them, this was an opportunity to let loose in a world of oppressiveness. For some, it was a chance to finally be themselves.
For others, it was a spiritual experience.
Admittedly, it seems almost counterintuitive to speak of disco in such high terms. For most of us, disco is a reminder of tunes like “I Will Survive” and “Love to Love You”. These simple beats are mostly dismissed as songs played at weddings or other social engagements. But Revenge recognizes the messages embedded within their staccato baselines. There’s a fire in these tunes that meant more to their audience than catchy lyrics. In that world, disco sounded like progress.
But, of course, amidst progress comes backlash. And Revenge never shies away from the darker responses to disco’s pop takeover. Whether it’s furious record burnings or angry rants for freedom, the film serves as a reminder of the rage that can spark at a time of change. (And, for what it’s worth, Majeed and Mishara also see comparisons to today.)
As such, at its heart, Disco’s Revenge isn’t so much about fighting back as it is about pushing forward. Without saying too much, Majeed and Mishara’s emphasis on the social impact of disco proves that the genre had more on its mind that getting people on the dancefloor. As it continues to affect the music industry (and yes, evolve), disco may never truly die. But, if Revenge is correct, maybe we should focus more on the ways that it gives life to those who love it so deeply.
Disco’s Revenge is available on VOD on January 7th, 2025.
