Reviews

Surreal.  That is the word that comes to mind when first experiencing the vibe that is Hot Chip.  Their album, “Coming on Strong,” is an odd mixture of beats, melodies, rhymes, horn, electronics, harmonies, and strange sounds which morph together into a mollifying amalgamation.  Hot Chip are not afraid to try anything.  They seem to utilize anything that they can find, whatever they seem to come across in their kitchen or basement, make a sound with it and somehow implement it into one of their songs and make it sound good, like it completely belongs there – and it does. They will mix light, smooth, joyful melodies and beats with dark lyrical content as well as do the opposite – mix dark melodies and harmonies with lighter lyrics.  The arrangements that Hot Chip create don’t seem fitting for the real world as they are terribly complicated, but they come across as very simple.  What is born is an entity all its own.  Nobody sounds like Hot Chip and Hot Chip sounds like no one you’ve heard before. 

This is a fun album where no matter what mood you’re in, it will always fit and will always make you feel at least a little better.  Head bobbing is an uncontrollable reaction while listening to this album.  This is the type of album that has so many songs befitting for so many activities.  “One One One” is perfect for that Sunday morning brunch or afternoon tea.  “From Drummer to Driver” and “You Ride, We Ride, In My Ride” is perfect for that drive in the country.  “Crap Kraft Dinner” and “Bad Luck” are the perfect tunes for winding down after a wild night out on the town. 

Hot Chip also incorporates a wry sense of humor into their lyric writing.  There is a mixing of hip-hop culture with smooth blends of jazz and funk.  At many points throughout the album, rap vernacular is fused over the likes of cheesy lounge music.  At other times, words of melancholy and loss are placed around an electronic dance beat.  But it works.  It’s soothing to listen to and at the same time makes you raise an eyebrow.  This is a fantastic album with virtually no low points.  Hot Chip gives off a great, relaxing mood for whatever situation.