Hot Chip

Hot Chip with Robert Wyatt and Geese

(EMI)

Record Review by Casey A. Thompson

The members of Hot Chip were looking for something when they recorded their latest EP, but something tells me it wasn't love. Instead, the band discovers a new take on their already unique sound. Composed of four tracks from their last full-length, Made in the Dark, the EP finds the band collaborating with elder prog-rock pioneer Robert Wyatt and the Elysian String Quartet's Emma Smith and Vincent Sipprellbegan, AKA Geese. Wyatt handpicked the tracks, which showcase the subtle, soulful side of this electro-pop group.

A mouth harp marks the opening of the EP on "Made in the Dark," which balances the quirky instrument against the piano of the original version. The falsetto of Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor and the mature sound of Wyatt's voice blend together well on this slightly down-tempo version of the song. It really foreshadows the dreamy nature of the EP; don't expect any disco here.

"Whistle For Will" and "We're Looking For A Lot Of Love" comprise the EP's even slower and more ethereal midsection. The former begins with a string section that somehow invokes Neil Young's "Helpless," sans the country rhythm and backed by a slow, booming drum. The latter uses less organic tones to fill out its sound, while preserving the mood set by its predecessor. Wyatt's voice comes into the foreground more on these two tracks, with "Love" also featuring the talents of Geese. As synth tones fluctuate in and out, Wyatt trades vocals with Taylor and Joe Goddard, creating some atmospheric harmonies that bounce off the walls created by the layered instrumentation.

"One Pure Thought," as remixed by Geese, rounds out the album with fleet-footed plucking percussion and understated bass-like counter-rhythms. The intro almost sounds danceable, but the other instruments and mantra-like vocals soon lead the song from funky to entrancing. The song's vibe and melody are so addictive, it's almost a shame the EP is so short. But at the end, the work feels completed. Like the career of an elder innovator collaborating with today's pioneers, this EP really comes full circle.