Hot Chip's Sound May Cause You Bodily Harm

Hot Chip will break your legs and snap off your head—at least according to the title track of the British five-piece’s 2006 sophomore electro-gem The Warning. With the release of Made In The Dark on Feb. 5, the self-proclaimed mechanical music men have more than earned their status as upperclassmen, and this time the “wrestlers’” gloves are off. Holding constant the level of bass-blowing soul on tracks like “Hold On,” the pop-tronic quintet have added rock and minimalist elements to their sound. “One Pure Thought” opens with a startlingly singular guitar riff that is eventually accompanied by the characteristic soaring synth, entranced vocals, and choppy beat. “We’re Looking For A Lot Of Love” serves as the antithesis of The Warning’s “Over and Over” stripped to an emotional core: “I try my best to keep up with the beat/I hear the sound and it starts to repeat” is reminiscent of the latter’s monkey with a miniature cymbal. Although more mature and atmospheric, the new album is not a complete departure from the gimmicky smart asses of the past.