Hot Chip have one particularly subtle, enduring and
endearing quality. They make electronica with a heart
(and a big warm heart at that!). They achieve this through
good tunes, witty lyrics and the inestimable pathos and
fragility of Alexis Taylor's instantly recognisable voice.
Their fourth studio outing finds them in fine fettle.
'One Life Stand' has a remarkably bright and vivid presence.
The ten songs in this collection deliver the band's best work
so-far. I loved all three of their previous album releases
but there is something distinctive and special about this
one which sets it apart by a mile.
There is an openness and expansiveness in the fresh-faced
production which brings the music to life in an addictive
and affecting way. Take the four-square magic of the title
track as a perfect example of the fusion of a strong melody,
big, danceable beats and the laugh-out-loud charm of the
sweeping, swooping and zooming synthesiser interventions.
Opening track 'Thieves In The Night' contasts the wonderful bump
and grind of the synth and percussion obliggato with Mr Taylor's
preciously vulnerable vocal delivery to stunning effect.
The edgy and slightly dodgy central guitar solo is a hoot!
'Brothers' is an unashamedly new-blokeish examination of the
value of male comradeship. A soppy and risky and rare idea,
brought to life with touchingly unsentimental authenticity.
'Alley Cats' is another enchanting lyrical and musical highlight.
Warm and bubbling and full of summer sunlight. For my money the
loveliest song of the band's time on earth so-far! Truly magical!
Final track 'Take It In', with its shifting patterns
of light and shade and incandescent vocal harmonies
brings the project to a stunning and uplifting close.
Hot Chip tick all the boxes with this little cracker.
Essential.