Ah, darling, the grand career retrospective: once a celebrated art form, now a bit like a forgotten film reel gathering dust in the corner of a streaming service’s server. But leave it to the indietronica darlings, Hot Chip, to resurrect this lost craft with chutzpah and style. Their latest oeuvre, “Joy in Repetition,” is a masterclass in self-awareness wrapped in a cheeky moniker. The title alludes to the earworm chorus of their 2005 gem, “Over and Over,” a track that catapulted this London quintet into the limelight and became synonymous with their sound.
True to their playful spirit, Hot Chip is unabashedly open about their inspirations-the name itself is borrowed from the iconic Prince, a nod to the pop maestro who undeniably influenced them. These gents never pretended otherwise; they’ve worn their musical debts on their sleeves from day one. “We didn’t have the production value to do a Destiny’s Child-style show,” Alexis Taylor confided back in 2016, revealing the band’s humble beginnings. With a shared passion for Black pop and indie rock, they forged a musical identity worlds apart from the likes of New Order or Depeche Mode.
Their debut, “Coming on Strong,” was a delightful sonic smorgasbord that blended soul-infused balladry with back porch vibes. Think of it as the Beta Band hosting a jam session with Angie Stone, all wrapped in a DIY aesthetic. Intriguingly, this early work isn’t included in their new collection-a probable oversight, given its reissue last year or perhaps due to its more intimate flair, which might seem a tad timid next to their more robust catalog.
This retrospective is cleverly marketed as a “Best Loved” collection, showcasing their standout tracks while sidestepping live versions or remixes. Yet one wonders if the label hints at a pop audience that craves safe familiarity-a temptation Hot Chip has consistently sidestepped.
After all, it was a serendipitous encounter with James Murphy of DFA Records that sealed their fate, leading to a partnership that would transform their sound. The 2006 album “The Warning” bore the unmistakable signature of DFA’s crisp house vibes, marking a departure into a realm of more polished, gurning electro. The soulful roots took a backseat, leaving behind a bold, electrifying sound they now traverse with aplomb.
So, as we dive into Hot Chip’s latest offering, one thing is clear: this band hasn’t just repeated their past; they’ve perfected it, leaving us eager for more. Cheers to that!
Original Story https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/hot-chip-joy-in-repetition/
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