Hot Chip uses an odd assortment of synthesizers, guitars and percussion to construct a sound that is different from other electronic bands. On Made in the Dark, the band throws back to the traditional rock days, recording live and often in one take (“Hold On” and “Out at the Picture”). The 5-piece, with their core being Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard, meld elements of heavy electronics with a pop sensibility that has been heavily influenced by The Beatles.

Hot Chip's 3rd release shows that they know how to make unadulterated pop. Taylor croons on “Ready For the Floor” over a series of electronic beats and a little help from infectious back-up singing. “One Pure Thought” evokes African elements with subtle hints of tribal drumming and chanting. The band does not just make dance music, but incorporates ballads that showcase Taylor’s vocal talents. “In the Privacy of Our Love” is a doo-wop style number that features a magical little melody to cap it all off. On “Wrestlers” they slow things down and construct an R&B jam that doesn’t take itself too seriously with lyrics like “Half Nelson, full nelson, Willie Nelson.” On Made In The Dark, Hot Chip shows off their many influences and breaks the mold of an electronic-pop band.

by Shannon Carlin