Genre magpies Hot Chip are, philosophically at least, London’s equivalent to LCD Soundsystem (which makes it less surprising that guitarist Al Doyle moonlights in James Murphy’s live band). The Chip’s last album, ‘The Warning’ was nominated for the Mercury prize, and it’s likely that this follow-up will be lavished with praise. All of which, we have to say, it will thoroughly deserve – six whole stars worth in fact. ‘Made In The Dark’ is where the band finally unite the two hemispheres of their musical brain: the intricate and introspective bedroom songwriters and the Day-glo-a-go-go live performers.
The album is adorned with the kind of ideas which your average electro practitioner just wouldn’t dare try – from glam-rock synth flourishes to spoken-word breakdowns. Each track contains a wealth of micro-melodies and an attention to detail which bears obsessively repeated listening.
Recent single ‘Ready For The Floor’ is undoubtedly the most commercial thing they’ve ever produced (and would have been the best thing Kylie’s done in years had she accepted it). However, even then there’s a glitchiness at the heart of its groove, and an affection for ancient synth sounds, which gives it a very individual depth.
What makes ‘Made In The Dark’ especially ace is that it hangs together so well as a whole thanks to its variety of moods, tempos and texture. Alongside the dancefloor stompers, there are relatively chilled ballads (‘In The Privacy Of Our Love’), and the anthems-in-waiting (‘Hold On’).
The only real constant is Alexis Taylor’s high, reedy, perma-forlorn voice. As with the likes of Royal Trux or Neil Young, these unconventionally attractive vocals are actually key to the Chip’s success; sung by anyone with more robust pipes, these songs would be as brassily vulgar as a hot pants and tube top combination on Blackpool seafront.
3 comments
tsh tom, you are a douche.
Eddy. 6 stars? Seriously? Have you listened to this album? I'm in two minds as to whether or not to post this, as I have a sneaky feeling I'm falling into the trap of a deliberately polemic review, designed to generate responses. Oh well...
don't believe the tripe. this is a weak to middling album full of uncomfortable lulls. i do however, like the use of the phrase 'especially ace' - it makes you sound like a novice reviewer, which might explain this pony effort.