One Life Stand

I like, many in the music world, was sort of let down when I first heard the single from Hot Chip's newest LP, One Life Stand. The song "One Life Stand" by itself is a sort of mildly formulaic romp through Hot Chip's well-mined nerdy brit intelligent grooves. This set up low expectations for the album.

However, I couldn't help tuning in to see the band on Fallon. Hot Chip, in their nebbish glory, played "take it in" the album's nearly perfect closer alongside The Roots. Twelve people, two drummers, a bunch of synthesizers, some basses, some samplers, two guitarists, and a tuba. Yet it was perhaps the best performance I've ever seen on TV.

The song is not flashy nor over the top in the groove but rather a subtle grower, a delightfully refined and engaging tune.

Hot Chip's previous was a sort of polarized effort. Less experimental than The Warning, Made in the Dark was at moments brilliantly danceable in an almost self-conciously goofy manner while at other moments it would flip capriciously to earnest ballads, that while made with the same instruments, were practically coming from a different band.

One Life Stand, more so than any of the previous albums, is cohesive and above all earnest. Completely avoiding the snarky, detached, and glib attitude permanently in vogue, eschews these in favor of a work of almost breathtaking sincerity. The album is a true team player. There are no definitive singles but rather tunes that work to bring out the best in each other.

The production detail is there as always. The tunes are no less creative or imaginary than anything in the past, simply more approachable.

Opening with "Thieves of the Night", the album starts much in a much less epic fashion than is customary of Hot Chip, whose albums have been notable for epic openers. The tune is long and it builds, similar to the album. Everysong from then on is distinct but complementary.

The themes of the lyrics are strikingly well-intended. From extolling the power of brotherhood in "brothers" to the love-mongering message of "We Have Love" the listener feels as if these guys abandoned any sense of irony whatsoever in making this gem. Even the single "One Life Stand" comes to take on a beauty that was previously completely absent.

Going through the album, there is a sense of sonic adventure, progression, and real genuine storytelling. By the time you get to "Take it In" every subtle nuance, synth line, and vocal inflection, send little streaks of happiness through you.

Ladies and gentleman, sign on to lala.com, give her a listen, and go out and buy it. This really is a gem.