Last month, beloved UK disco group Crazy P released their ninth album, Any Signs of Love. The record is a heartfelt celebration of friendship, a deep love for music and the incredible life and spirit of frontwoman Danielle Moore, who tragically passed away last August, just months before its release.
When I heard the news, I could hardly believe it, especially having seen Danielle on stage just weeks before. The band’s music has been the soundtrack to some of my happiest memories: to countless kitchen dance parties growing up, where my mum and I would choreograph routines to Stop, Space, Return and whirl ourselves around the room to the dreamy sounds of Heartbreaker; and the musical backdrop to many memorable club nights.
It all began in 1998, when co-founders Chris Todd (‘Toddy’) and Jim Baron, who shared a love of great dance music, were signed by Manchester label Paper Recordings. What started as an experimental studio project quickly gained momentum, thanks to their ability to blend electronic beats with live instrumentation. The duo’s early releases caught the attention of the underground scene, paving the way for what would become their signature sound – a fusion of soulful grooves and dancefloor-ready rhythms.
A few years later, Crazy P evolved into a five-piece with the addition of bassist Tim Davies, drummer Matt Klose, and Danielle, whose magnetic energy and distinctively rich, emotive vocals brought a whole new dimension to the group, especially as a live act. Fast forward more than 25 years, and they’ve since created a legacy of joy that has taken them everywhere from Manchester to Glitterbox in Ibiza, making them a must-see fixture in the international house and disco circuit.
I first saw them live during my time at Central Saint Martins, when I dragged a group of friends to east London’s Metropolis to see them play at their night, A Disco in a Str!p Club. Danielle, true to her sensational self, climbed onto the decks in front of Jim and Toddy, and they quickly commanded the entire club. We danced all the way through their set, consumed by pure joy – it was like everyone was suspended in a state of total weightlessness. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to see them perform at Lost Village and Glastonbury, plus cult venues such as Pikes Hotel in Ibiza and Camden’s Jazz Cafe.
When news of Danielle’s passing broke, it sent ripples through the dance music community. And with that, the anticipation for Any Signs of Love quickly began to build, marking the final Crazy P album to feature Danielle’s voice. What they’ve delivered is a record that invites you on an evocative journey across the dancefloor – made to be experienced in the shared energy of a crowd, surrounded by strangers united by a love of dancing and disco.
“We rarely have a vision for albums. We just get in the studio, have fun, and see what develops,” says co-founder Jim. “A lot of the songs were written with live settings in mind – thinking of the lights, the energy and the opening of a set.”
For me, tracks such as Love is Power conjure images of dancefloors brimming with jubilant partygoers from all walks of life – a celebration of togetherness that was central to Danielle’s performances. She had an unparalleled gift for creating a sense of connection. In today’s fragmented world, that kind of unity stands out as even more precious.
A personal favourite on the album is Human After All. Whenever I hear it, I picture myself and my friends among the trees at a UK festival – no phone signal, no obligations and, in that moment, the music trumps everything. It’s the kind of song that you can get lost in, but also one that will live on long after the final note, settling into the musical memories of those who hear it.
“It’s about creating the right feeling in the music: something that makes you feel, that evokes emotion and you just instinctively know when it’s right,” says Jim. “This is probably our most comfortable and relaxed album. We’ve grown in confidence, and now it’s about getting a buzz ourselves rather than trying to write something for the radio,” he adds. “We were finding our feet for the first 10 years, experimenting and making mistakes, but those limitations are what made us think creatively.”
For me, Crazy P is one of those rare bands that, despite not fitting the traditional mould of ‘commercial’ radio, have managed to cultivate a loyal, multi-generational following. Their discography captures distinct eras of their journey, and Any Signs of Love is a showcase of everything the band has built since their early party days in the ’90s.
While this album is undeniably marked by sadness, it also serves as a beautiful reminder of the legacy they’ve crafted together. “Togetherness will definitely continue – our music has always been about creating a euphoric, collective experience,” says Chris.
Although it’s almost impossible to imagine Crazy P without Danielle Moore, she remains the beating heart of this extraordinary music collective. Her energy and what she stood for will forever be woven into their DNA – and my musical one.
Any Signs Of Love by Crazy P is out now
