Hot Chip - One Life Stand

HOT CHIP - ONE LIFE STAND (Parlophone)

Like their moniker, Hot Chip stand in many respects for the fulsome dizziness of a passing, guilty sensation. Their not-quite-as-naïve-as-you-might-think shiny electropop hits all the right notes, being a particularly English mix of soaring melodies and knowing wordplay that echoes the sophistication of Pulp and the stumbling glory of New Order at their very height, this time calling upon the redemptive power of love as their subject matter.

This, their fourth album, sees them turn down the tempo from previous offerings little for a disco-orientated approach across 10 tracks. As the title intimates, this is a melancholic ode to matters of the heart, and the aching feeling is never too far away from all the tracks, Taylor announcing with a shrill “Happiness is what we all want” in the opening stomp of “Thieves in the Night”. And from the outset it’s difficult not to be thrilled by the charm and warmth in this clattering number; ramshackle ride cymbals competing with oscillating synths to create a real sense of adventure and vigour. The elegaic chorus of “Hand Me Down Your Love” further serenades us into a journey of synthpop Albion, strings complementing a track that grows in stature with each bar.

There’s humour too. “I Feel Better” is all R ‘n’ B mixed with Eurovision string stabs and processed vocals. It’s almost 90’s euro-rave at times too, but deep down there’s a sense that they’re not being too serious here given the over top nature of the arrangement. The title track reverts to their well-tested formula, but to their credit, it’s flavoured with such rich composition that you forget about it - a shuffling minimal-esque rhythm complemented by steel drums that mutates into an unexpected delicious pop song. It doesn’t matter by then that the lyrics are somewhat forgettable. “Brothers” complements a trio of somewhat over-the-top songs with a chorus that reminds you that catchy pop still has a big role to play in your listening life.

“Slush” takes the tempo down, and whilst it’s not quite as deliberately saccharine as you might expect, there’s a sense of a band approaching the height of their powers. The arrangement is simple and traditional, but the subtle addition of extra instrumentation such as steel drums (again) gives it an identity that is their own.  After 6 exceptional tracks, it’s inevitable then that there is a hiccup, and the album does falter a little over the next couple of uninspiring contributions. “We Have Love” in particular falls flat. Matters however are redeemed by the Italo-tinged “Take It In”, which finishes the album in spectacular fashion. Like all great synthpop, it’s a mix of minor key flourishes and soaring choruses that hit all the right notes, conveniently forgetting the trashiness of the lyrical content.

Something deep down in me always feels a little suspicious of albums that are somewhat knowing in their construction, but it’s hard not to be dissuaded by the sheer, faux-innocent charm of “One Life Stand”. There are 7 outstanding songs on it, and in today’s climate of middling quality, it’s an extremely high hit rate. Hot Chip will rule the summer (again).

Toby Frith