Hot Chip Issue #28

The Warning (DFA Records/EMI/Astralwerks)

By Amber Drea
Published: June 1st, 2006 | 12:00am

In the grand tradition of indie rockers doing dance music (i.e. LCD Soundsystem, the Postal Service, !!!/Outhud), London’s Hot Chip consists of five guys who traded in their guitars and drum sets for keyboards and drum machines. Stemming from artists like Aphex Twin, Beta Band, and Peter Gabriel, Hot Chip layers swelling harmonies, vintage and modern synth sounds, bumpin’ bass lines, and percussion such as bongos, chimes, and maracas.

On the title track, singer-songwriters Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard nonchalantly warn, “Hot Chip will break your legs, snap off your head” over a lush IDM beat. The infectious “Over and Over” touts the joy of repetition “like a monkey with a miniature cymbal.” New Order’s influence shows up on “Arrest Yourself” and “No Fit State” while emotive ballads “Look After Me” and “Boy From School” may even bring a tear to your eye. Despite its goofy charm, Hot Chip is serious about making music.