++ALBUM++ review by Emily Kendrick
Hot Chip are back with a tougher sound, a soulful side, and quite possibly one of the albums of the year. Emily Kendrick takes us through their third record and explains why in a world of nu-rave gone wrong, this band are left clutching all the medals...
Who needs Kylie when pop perfection has these new heirs? There’s much to rave about in the third offering from bedroom penning electo geeks Hot Chip, and their latest single, ‘Ready For The Floor’ – itself an insanely 80s chic souped up disco anthem - is just the tip of the iceburg. Opener ‘Out At The Pictures’ leads us straight into their whirlwind party, and it's one you won’t want to be sitting down for.
"The dynamism of this band is in their appreciation of melody without allowing pomp or overcooking..."
Hot Chip have come of age superbly, and this record sees smatterings of their innovative and stripped down debut LP hustling for pole-position with their penchant for big beats. Made in the Dark also delves into more intimate territory with the balladry of ‘In The Privacy of Our Love’ and ‘We’re Looking For A Lot of Love’ – neither of which would feel out of place on R Kelly’s CV.
Many have found the group an enigma, what with them being dance masters in the centre of a nu rave storm, yet somehow faring better than the competition. And they are, much, much more convincingly gifted with the funk. The dynamism of this band is in their appreciation of melody without allowing pomp or overcooking.
Numerous one hit dancefloor wonders have tried and failed to match their dexterity, and indeed, few can deliver a threat as phat as 'Hold On'. It furiously samples the electrifying finale of ‘Shake A Fist’, and is evidence of the group's ambition to stretch the genre blending game that one step further.
It's early in the year, but Hot Chip have set a strong contender for Album of 2008; euphoric, quietly tender and equally progressive - the message now being ‘Come and have a go if you think you’re funky enough’.
++ Emily Kendrick ++
Artrocker rating: 5
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I wasnt too sure about hot
I wasnt too sure about hot chip at first, but now im really liking their new one!!