Hot Chip , One Life Stand – Steadily ticking through the back log of album reviews. I was actually excited to hear this album as Hot Chip have had an excellent record for keeping the pulse of electro/dance/synth goodness. All well timed for the club. Low and behold, they turn out an album with feelings. And a message. And a slower tempo. So, what to think of this change towards “adult” emotions? Largely, it is average. It has less punch than their typical sound. But instead of pushing the limits outward in a staccato pointed build, each song gradually arcs to it’s peak. There is still the sense of enormity of sound, just a more gradual slope to get there. Synths are a lot less buoyant, more immersive. On trend with the ’80s rebirth. But overly laden with remorse, regret or forced gravity. Alexis’ voice has always had the touch of vulnerable – a signature to their cool but nerdy image – and now takes on more of a desperate, longing tone. Sometimes to great success (“Thieves in the Night”, “Hand Me Down Your Love”, “We Have Love”) but routinely to middling effect. There are a few standout tracks but as a whole was less compelling than their previous work.
