The electro-pop heroes Hot Chip have proven time and time again that a sort musical anti-intellectualism need not precede excursions into the realm of dance/pop music. Here, with their latest excursion into joyful realms of dance-floor ecstasy (as well as past outings) they prove that highly influenced and intelligent musical-craftspeople don't always have to sound like the Dirty Projectors, or something (I have no gripe with these creatives, to be clear). These gents push it even further, here, making their most eclectic yet consistently brilliant work; it's the sort of album that makes you feel like you own the damned dance-floor, regardless of whether you wish that you lived in damned Innsmouth.
It would be a fools-errand to methodically dissect each and every sound/influence in this album, but I will note that the cocktail of sounds here add a sort of unique life and animal-energy to the work. Whether it be the 80's-pop aesthetic of "Don't Deny Your Heart", the super sexy R&B slow-jam vibes of "Look At Where We Are", the anthemic club-brilliance of "Flutes" (my personal favorite), or even the Balearic notes of "Let Me Be Him", each song offers something unique and compelling.
Ultimately, this happy/brilliant electro-pop gem shouldn't be dismissed; this album=smiles. Also, click the swanky symbol-man below, to hear the musicians speak about their album. Ciao, all.
C.W.
