Sound: A creative collision where electronic (two-step garage beats, drum & bass rhythms, danceable synths) meets pop (falsetto melodies, bright harmonies, memorable lines).
Playlist Partners: The Beta Band, New Order, Depeche Mode, Blur
Heavy Rotation tracks: “The Warning“; “Over and Over
“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Tchaparian“; “And I Was a Boy From School
“; “(Just Like We) Breakdown
“; “Colours
“
Recommended: Hot Chip sound much more competent on their second LP, while keeping a little of the tongue-in-cheek humor from their debut. If you liked the free and natural feeling of The Beta Band’s experimental adventures but often wished they reined the ideas into tighter songs, The Warning should have what you’re looking for.
Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2006 Candidate)
(As posted 7/17/06 on davepowersmusic.com)
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[…] Sound: A mix of bubbly, retro synth pop; chaotically rhythmic electro rock and pensive, stripped-down ballads. There are more guitar riffs and mellow, piano-driven moments on here than on previous Hot Chip albums. Regardless of the genre or tempo, Alexis Taylor delivers the vocals in a delicate croon, often with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. Heavy Rotation tracks: “Shake A Fist”; “Ready for the Floor”; “Bendable Posable”; “Wrestlers” Medium Rotation tracks: “Out at the Pictures”; “Hold On”; “One Pure Thought” Recommended: Made in the Dark is much more eclectic than their breakout album The Warning (my #19 Album of 2006). And at times, it can feel disjointed. But much more often than not, they continue to impress with their ability to spin experimental sounds and rhythms into catchy, memorable and fun melodies. Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2008 Candidate) […]