By Sophia Varoumas
When the rave scene began to fade in the late 90s, the ravers and breakers in Philly and New York seemed to branch back in the same direction. Their rock roots became apparent when mourning the loss of the club scenes that suddenly collapsed due to, among other things, drug busts around the Tri-State. Scene stragglers hung on though, still passionate enough about electronic music to listen to it and make it. Dancers from that time formed troops with loyal dedication to the electronic music scene, and they too continue living, though they've gone all Darwin on us.
Hot Chip is among that evolving electronic sound. This UK 5-piece blends steady vocals with the retro sounds of the 80s club scene era all the while embracing the craft of DJing. Hot Chip's latest installment is a complete dance record full of clever lyrics, innovative samples and just enough quiet time to give you a happy medium.
The UK has always been dominant in Techno and sprouted Hot Chip in 2000, who released their debut LP Coming on Strong in 2004. Most recently with this fourth album, One Life Stand, Hot Chip pours molasses onto their tracks, sweetening things up. Instead of the crawling up a wall sound reminiscent of the synth-tech stuff which made Hot Chip popular on Made in The Dark, they add weird retro 70s-esque samples to "Slush", an overly depressing and unusual track in the mix.
"I Feel Better" is certainly one of the best tracks on One Life Stand. It features poignant lyrics like, Nothing is wasted/Life is worth living/ Heaven is nowhere/just look to the stars/There is a day that is yours for embracing/Everything's nothing/Nothing is ours.
I mean, damn.
When was the last time you heard some shit like that in a dance track, full with freak out breaks? It's brilliant. The lyrics and maturity are apparent in the latest installment. Hot Chip has grown as a group, fallen in love and embraced life for all that it is: beautiful.
The bike messengers with seriously groomed mustaches will love this slow dip into Hot Chip's sometimes motivational, mostly mellow album. Signature and sweet monotone vocals over dance beats don't go away but Hot Chip slows the needle down with bizarre lyrics about loving their brothers into a trip trance that takes a while to grow on you.
Their dance music has wit and a big heart, like an old candy raver that just grew up but still has the big urge to hand out lollipops once in a while. The opening track, "Thieves in the Night" front man Alexis Taylor takes the time to warn, 'My friend once told me something so right/He said to be careful of thieves in the night. My friend once told me something so right/He said to be careful of bugs that don't bite.' Origivation thinks great advice for the summer.
