Demob Happy

Geek chic

7/10

If like I did you heard ‘Coming On Strong‘ after their second, break-through album ‘The Warning‘, you might be wondering where the big tunes are. There is nothing as stand-out here as 2006’s stunning double-wammy of singles ‘Boy From School’ and ‘Over and Over’.

Nevertheless, ‘Coming on Strong‘ sets the template for Hot Chip’s oddly geeky-cum-sexy soul-synth pop hybrid. If anything I was surprised by how mellow their debut is, all burbling downtempo electro, unhurried and spacious. Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard make a real odd couple on vocals, the former akin to Damon Albarn’s dreamy falsetto, while the latter a world-weary urban monotone. It is really quite easy on the ear - none of the sudden Timbaland-style synth assaults that characterised parts of ‘The Warning‘.

While it lacks defining moments, their cheeky mix of Super Furry Animals-style self-depreciating humour, casio beats and twinking nocturnal electronics is both atmospheric and unmistakably Hot Chip. It sometimes feels a bit unfinished and almost improvised, but they win through with their disarming playfulness and oddity.