News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

HOT CHIP - PAGE 2


BIO:
There's something odd about Hot Chip. Some fracture between conception and actuality that makes them all the more intriguing. Ostensibly Hot Chip sign up to the HipHop dream as espoused by MTV Cribs and presumably as lived by, ooh, Pharrell Williams? They just seem to have some problems translating it to Wandsworth, SE London, is all. In fact they seem to have trouble squaring it with the equal, but to some extent opposite, influence of, say, Bill Callahan from Smog. Or Lambchop. Or Crystal Gayle. So, instead of doing the obvious thing and working out what sort of band they are going to be, they conclude that they will be all of them at once. And then they'll make it all in a room smaller than the box room at your Mum's house. With whatever's lying around. That is, whatever's lying around - toy trumpets, kazoos, blah. This to conform to a cherished idea of Brian Wilson's that, in the studio, anything goes. "Whereas a band like Primal Scream simply want to BE The Rolling Stones for one album, then King Tubby on the next, and Royal Trux on another, we prefer to make references in miniature to the spirit of the records and performances we love and admire," says vocalist/keyboard player Alexis Taylor. "We might apply an interesting approach to recording that we have learnt from an artist, but with a different set of aesthetic principles. So traces of RTX, Anti-Pop Consortium, 'I'm Your Man' era-Leonard Cohen, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, MadLib and Will Oldham, for example, may all be somewhere in one song, rather than becoming the blueprint for an entire album." The crux of all this, though, is the dynamic tension between the sheer respect for the production techniques of, say, Darkchild on Brandy's 'What About Us?', and a very English (and, some might say, white) need to tell it a little more like how it is. So, on the Neptunes inspired 'Playboy', you get the aspirational ghetto stylings of a Hype Williams as re-shot by Mike Leigh, with Hot Chipper Joe singing about blazing Yo La Tengo from his Peugeot as he tools round Putney with the top down. 'Pathos' is a word that springs to mind not for the first or last time while listening to 'Coming On Strong'. But Hot Chip are nothing if not funny, although it's safe to say they are pretty deadpan in their humour. This is perhaps best exemplified by 'Keep Fallin', a song which contains Alexis Chip's somewhat provocative boast that he is "like Stevie Wonder" but "can see things". This in a song that manages to shoehorn in musical nods to Ween, Womack & Womack, the Spencer Davies Group, plus the great Stevie himself, while lyrically referencing the myth of Sisyphus and cracking crap jokes. Phew! "It should sound packed and be brimming with ideas, like 'Pet Sounds' or 'Paul's Boutique'," says Alexis before tracing the roots of Hot Chip's sound to the interplay between his naivety and Joe's knowledge. And this is the way it seems to go. Hot Chip say they have between 10 and 15 songs on the go constantly, recording everything they play together and then painstakingly piecing together the best elements into a new whole, which often bears little relation to the source material. "Like Public Enemy," they say by way of example. Unlike most of their heroes and role models, however, Hot Chip prefer things to be slightly off or too loud or in some way odd, and set great store in the accidental nature of recording. Perhaps it is this that gives them the slightly homemade feel that permeates the whole 'Coming On Strong', and makes it an album so high on charm. The party sounds that intersperse the Tom Tom Club-by 'Beach Party' are more back-garden barbeque than the primetime Prince which inspired them, and are deliberately designed to evoke innocence rather than more Bacchanalian pleasures. Elsewhere, home itself is never far from centre stage, whether it be the bereft rooms and empty refrigerator of 'Crap Kraft Dinner', or the quiet domestic tragedy of 'Baby Said'. "Baby said she wanted adventure / I said, baby, the outside world's not safe / We should sit down". And, outside the home you get... the car. Yes, the aforementioned hymn to the Peugeot is but one of three tunes on the joys of driving to be found on 'Coming On Strong'. 'You Ride, We Ride, In My Ride' is Will Oldham cruising with his crew after a night on the piss, with what Joe calls UK garage polyrhythms and Alexis insists is actually a disco bassline. 'Shining Escalade' meanwhile is an auto-erotic phantasy about the SUV of the same name, with Alexis playing straight man to Joe's daft flights of fancy. This is a situation found throughout the record; Alexis high reedy vocal and often deadly sincere words, juxtaposed with Joe's browner, slightly ludicrous baritone, pointing us towards the more playful elements of Hot Chip. And, in truth, they are both meaningful and meaningless. At the same time. They like to sing sweetly about aggressive situations, and make jokes about things you really should cry about. 'Coming On Strong' is, like the man says, chockfull of more ideas than you could satisfactorily identify, many of them purely signs and ciphers for the participants' own delight. Thankfully, it functions first and foremost as a pop record, albeit the decidedly odd one hinted at in the first sentence. Hot Chip are: Alexis Taylor (vocals / keboard) / Joe Goddard (beat master / vocals) / Owen Clarke (Keyboards ? guitar) / Felix Martin (drums / MPC) / Al Do It (guitar).

Latest Articles


Gerry Read Releases New Single 'Sunshine Kissing' Photo Gerry Read Releases New Single 'Sunshine Kissing'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 06, 2020

Today, London-based DJ/Producer Gerry Read has announced the release of his new single ‘Sunshine Kissing’ out via Ministry of Sound. A cut of disco-infused, off-kilter house, the single follows previous 2020 release ‘Sh*t Can’t Make Anything’  - a buoyant track that reintroduced Gerry back into the ...

Gerry Read Releases 'Shit Can't Make Anything' Photo Gerry Read Releases 'Shit Can't Make Anything'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 11, 2020

Suffolk-born, London-based DJ and producer Gerry Read is proud to release his first slice of heartwarming house on Ministry of Sound....

The Blessed Madonna and Dua Lipa Present CLUB FUTURE NOSTALGIA Photo The Blessed Madonna and Dua Lipa Present CLUB FUTURE NOSTALGIA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 20, 2020

Following the release of last week's 'Levitating' Remix ft. Missy Elliott and Madonna, the Blessed Madonna and Dua Lipa today reveal the full list of collaborators for Club Future Nostalgia, out August 28th. ...

Hot Chip Announce Exclusive Globally Streamed Open-Air Set At Dreamland, Margate Photo Hot Chip Announce Exclusive Globally Streamed Open-Air Set At Dreamland, Margate
by Kaitlin Milligan - August 11, 2020

Margate's Dreamland is set to host a UK first on Saturday 5th September when Hot Chip perform an exclusive, globally streamed, live gig dubbed ‘Streamland’, before a socially distanced audience....

Phantom Isle Release New Single 'MAR V' Photo Phantom Isle Release New Single 'MAR V'
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 09, 2020

Barrelling through the doom and gloom of 2020 at a blistering 130bpm, London based New Wave outfit PHANTOM ISLE today unveil their immensely danceable new single, 'MAR V'....

Daoi Freyr Covers 'Volcano Man' From EUROVISION SONG CONTEST Photo Daoi Freyr Covers 'Volcano Man' From EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 02, 2020

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is the laugh-out-loud new film released on Netflix, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams, who play Icelandic singers Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdottir, AKA Fire Saga, who after a wild twist of fate are chosen to represent their country at Eur...

Line-Up Announced for 2020 KCRW's World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl Photo Line-Up Announced for 2020 KCRW's World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 18, 2020

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced the line-up for the 2020 KCRW's World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. The successful collaboration between KCRW and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, now in its 21st year, launches Sunday, June 28, at 7PM....

Thin Lear Announces Full-Length Album 'Wooden Cave' Photo Thin Lear Announces Full-Length Album 'Wooden Cave'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - February 05, 2020

Queens-based indie artist Thin Lear shares the new track 'Maniacs' today, with news of his first full-length album Wooden Cave, to be released via EggHunt Records on April 24th. 'Maniacs' comes as a cross between Hot Chip and Sufjan Stevens, with the cinematic cleverness of DeVotchKa, in a narrative...

Hot Chip Share Video for 'Positive' & Announce Spring US Tour Photo Hot Chip Share Video for 'Positive' & Announce Spring US Tour
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 30, 2020

In 2019, Hot Chip released their dazzling seventh album, A Bath Full Of Ecstasy. Bath and its lead single, “Hungry Child,” was featured on the Best of 2019 lists of several publications, including Noisey, The Atlantic, Pop Matters, and more....

Despacio to Return to the Knockdown Center this April Photo Despacio to Return to the Knockdown Center this April
by Abigail Charpentier - January 28, 2020

Despacio brings its seven-hour vinyl-only odysseys to New York once again, this April 2, 3 and 4 at the Knockdown Center in Queens....

Holy F**k Share New Song 'Deleters' Photo Holy F**k Share New Song 'Deleters'
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 15, 2020

Holy f**k have unveiled the almost-title track from forthcoming album Deleter, along with a visualiser video, which will be released this Friday, January 17th. The record has already been introduced by acclaimed singles “Luxe” (featuring Alexis Taylor) and 'Free Gloss' (featuring Nicholas Allbrook)....

Nicolas Godin Shares Two Remixes of 'The Border' Ahead of New Album Release Photo Nicolas Godin Shares Two Remixes of 'The Border' Ahead of New Album Release
by Abigail Charpentier - January 10, 2020

With his anticipated new album Concrete and Glass due for release on the 24th January, via Because Music, Nicolas Godin has shared two excellent remixes of recent single “The Border”. The first is by Pierre Rousseau of Paradis, the producer of Concrete and Glass, who delivers a delicious, bass-drive...

Hot Chip Releases New Video for 'Spell' Photo Hot Chip Releases New Video for 'Spell'
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 24, 2019

Last Friday, Hot Chip released A Bath Full Of Ecstasy, their brilliant seventh album and the group's definitive release, crystallizing the sound they've become celebrated for – bridging euphoria and melancholy with colorful melodies, idiosyncratic vocalizations and pounding electronic pop rhythms....

Hot Chip Release Paul Woolford Sunrise Remix Of HUNGRY CHILD Photo Hot Chip Release Paul Woolford Sunrise Remix Of HUNGRY CHILD
by Tori Hartshorn - May 10, 2019

Last month, Hot Chip announced their return – a new album A Bath Full of Ecstasy set for June 21st, a storming new single ('Hungry Child') and a series of worldwide sold out shows where they reasserted themselves as everyone's favorite band, bringing audiences to joyful delight with a set list that ...

Charlie Cunningham Announces New Album 'Permanent Way' Photo Charlie Cunningham Announces New Album 'Permanent Way'
by Kaitlin Milligan - April 11, 2019

Charlie Cunningham - the English songwriter known for his goosebump-inducing vocals, lyrics that cut to the bone, and effortless command of his nylon-stringed guitar - has announced 'Permanent Way,' his second album and first for BMG out June 7th....

Hot Chip Announce 7th Album Out 6/21 on Domino, Plus Video for HUNGRY CHILD and World Photo Hot Chip Announce 7th Album Out 6/21 on Domino, Plus Video for HUNGRY CHILD and World Tour Announced
by Tori Hartshorn - April 04, 2019

Hot Chip will release their electrifying seventh album, A Bath Full of Ecstasy, on June 21st. Their third album for Domino, A Bath Full of Ecstasy is the group's definitive release, crystallising the sound they've become celebrated for – bridging euphoria and melancholy with colourful melodies, idio...

Manics' Debut EP BINARY Delivers A Confident Offering Of Indie And Dance Photo Manics' Debut EP BINARY Delivers A Confident Offering Of Indie And Dance
by Tori Hartshorn - March 08, 2019

On their debut EP, Binary, Bay Area upstarts MANICSdeliver a confident offering of indie and dance compositions. The two-piece live act sets the tone on the EP's title track, “Binary,” a tale about the cautions of modern technology. Their melodic talents shine through on “Deja Rendezvu” and “Eleven ...

KCRW's World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl Announces 2019 Lineup Photo KCRW's World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl Announces 2019 Lineup
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 05, 2019

 The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has announced today the line-up for the 2019 KCRW's World Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. The successful collaboration between KCRW and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association celebrates its 20th anniversary, and launches Sunday, June 16, at 7PM....

Eats Everything Teams Up with Matthew Dear and Joe Goddard on New Release LOVE GAMES Photo Eats Everything Teams Up with Matthew Dear and Joe Goddard on New Release LOVE GAMES
by Macon Prickett - June 26, 2018

Teaming up to provide a dynamic concoction of musical ideas, popular trio Mathew Dear, Joe Goddard and Eats Everything have unveiled their brand-new single 'Love Games', a rasping release which is out now, via Catz 'n Dogz 'Pets' label....

Billboard Now Streaming BORN RUFFIANS Upcoming Album UNCLE, DUKE & THE CHIEF Photo Billboard Now Streaming BORN RUFFIANS Upcoming Album UNCLE, DUKE & THE CHIEF
by Macon Prickett - February 08, 2018

Critically acclaimed Toronto band Born Ruffians are premiering their upcoming fifth studio album Uncle, Duke & The Chief at Billboard. The record is due February 16 on Yep Roc Records. Most recently, the band premiered the video for the single “Miss You,” the third in a video trilogy starring frontm...

VIDEO: Check Out BORN RUFFIANS' New Music Video MISS YOU Photo VIDEO: Check Out BORN RUFFIANS' New Music Video MISS YOU
by Macon Prickett - February 02, 2018

Critically acclaimed Toronto band Born Ruffians are premiering the video for their latest single “Miss You” from their upcoming fifth studio album Uncle, Duke & The Chief (out February 16 on Yep Roc Records) via The 405;  The video is the third in a series starring frontman Luke Lalonde and directed...

Born Ruffians Premiere 'Miss You' via DIY Magazine Photo Born Ruffians Premiere 'Miss You' via DIY Magazine
by Caryn Robbins - January 09, 2018

Critically acclaimed Toronto band Born Ruffians are premiering the single Miss You from their upcoming fifth studio album Uncle, Duke & The Chief (out February 16 on Yep Roc Records) via DIY Magazine; listen/share the track...

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Shares Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) Remix For AN INTENTION Photo Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Shares Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) Remix For AN INTENTION
by Tori Hartshorn - December 08, 2017

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Shares Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) Remix For AN INTENTION...

MANICS Release 90's-Inspired New Noise Debut 'Embrace' Photo MANICS Release 90's-Inspired New Noise Debut 'Embrace'
by Emily Bruno - December 05, 2017

Paying homage to 90's club cultures, MANICS make their New Noise debut with the infectious indie dance pop single, Embrace. The San Francisco duo blend new wave and classic 90's house with modern aesthetics for a familiar yet novel sound....

Born Ruffians Set North American Tour Dates, New Album 'Uncle, Duke & the Chief' out Photo Born Ruffians Set North American Tour Dates, New Album 'Uncle, Duke & the Chief' out 2/16
by Richard Best - November 28, 2017

Critically acclaimed Toronto band Born Ruffians are touring North America this spring in celebration of the upcoming release of their fifth studio album, Uncle, Duke & The Chief (out February 16 on Yep Roc Records)....












Videos

Recommended For You