Review Summary: Remember the saying? Sometimes, less is certainly more.
How can one define the term 'success'? Many artists, especially in today's modern climate, have an overriding tendency to conform what is deemed popular; indeed, to attain mainstream appeal is by no means a bad thing, however to exchange artistic integrity for the sake of one's financial stability is a somewhat questionable motive. Of course, the thrill of achieving a multi-platinum selling record is undoubtedly a dream for many aspiring singer/songwriters, but to intentionally produce the same derivative, mass manufactured pap that cynically permeates the airwaves is a notion that the industry cannot seem to shake.
So it's a refreshing change of pace to see a band step outside of their comfort zone every once in a while. Indeed, while this is considered a daunting prospect for many, it is always far more credible to keep pushing the sonic boundaries by thinking outside of the box; established artists such as Radiohead and The Flaming Lips have sustained an impressive track record by creating landmark albums that have changed the face of the music industry, to become pioneers in the art of innovating, to redefine the genre with an unprecedented level of ingenuity.
Forgive the spiel, but while Hot Chip are certainly not reinventing the wheel with their latest release 'One Life Stand', it shows a sign of progression for the band in terms of both lyrical content and songwriting ability; this is a far more introspect record, especially when compared to previous efforts (most notably 2007's Made In The Dark which was perhaps a little too dynamic in its approach). It's an emotionally-charged body of work that challenges the listener, but becomes increasingly more apparent after multiple play-throughs – it's a focused affair, no where near as schizophrenic, but better for it.
By doing this, one could suggest that the album is devoid of any personality – the mindless quirks that crafted their sound is somewhat absent this time around, all in favour for a more cohesive outing that lacks the colour and vibrancy of hit singles such as 'Ready For The Floor' and 'Over and Over'. But that's the point; from the get-go, 'Thieves In The Night' introduces this jarring new style in stark contrast, showcasing its melodically driven approach in full force. Many of the songs are more vocal oriented in this respect, allowing space between the breaks – this is evident in 'Hand Me Down Your Love', which sees Taylor's vocal ability overwhelm an incredibly simple song structure. Like most electropop, it layers up, eventually cooling down after a sustained amount of time. Strings and intricate piano tinkering seem to be an overriding theme throughout, adding a level of poignancy that harks back to LCD Soundsystem's 'Sound Of Silver' – it's dark, understated, yet strangely beautiful.
Highlights 'Take It In' and the title track 'One Life Stand' also emphasise this notion furthermore, the latter breathing life into a relatively preserved tracklist; there are moments when the electronics whiff slightly of Kraftwerk's Man Machine, with its soft phaser-scapes resonating through the soundwaves in a galaxy swirl of fuzz. This is where it truly shines; Taylor's brittle voice and the album's sense of vulnerability makes it far more human and direct. While the middle section is fatally risky in terms of pacing, its charm overcomes this minor shortcoming – 'Alley Cats' is wistfully groovy and yet prominently delicate in its production, with both Taylor and Goddard merely exhaling the song's melody into a perfect cadence.
In hindsight, it seems that 'One Life Stand' was a risk worth taking – for those expecting more of the same, prepare to be sorely disappointed. While it lacks the energy found in previous releases, Hot Chip have crafted a soulful body of work that's meticulous in its design and self conscious in its approach. It's carefully paced, intricately produced and brilliantly executed.
Sometimes, less is certainly more.
