(EMI)

Poptronica is not a genre that is often done well. Songs come out, stick in brain matter for 2 weeks and then quickly fade away. Hot Chip’s music is different.

With influences ranging from Aphex Twin’s less psychotic moments to Bob Dylan’s finest, Hot Chip take pride in the weird music they produce. The Warning is the follow-up to their refreshing first album Coming On Strong and fans will be happy to know that they still sound like Cut Copy smiling through the hazy effects of an entire pack of Valium.

The album contains a sense of dreamy honesty and cheeky playfulness. It’s still an endearingly fragile venture, though the Chippers now sound far more professional. Grand songwriting is once again backed by funky lo-fi sounds and divine harmonies, continuing the bands original and funky hook.

The quintet of Felix Martin, Al Doyle, Owen Clarke, Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard make up Hot Chip. Each plays a pivotal role contributing a rich collection of elements that make up the sounds sprinkled throughout the album. Various voices swim alongside a Micro Korg, clapping hands, a Roland SH-101, a battered Casiotone MT-70 and several guitars.

What emerges from this is not chaos, but an album rich in texture and pure of heart. Title track The Warning features a lush garage beat and pleasant lyrics. “Excuse me sir I’m lost, I’m looking for a place where I can get lost. I’m looking for a home for my malfunctioning being, I’m looking for the mechanical music museum.” Odd, but very pleasing to the ear.

Look After Me is similarly enjoyable. It bravely explores a growing distance between lovers through a haze of precise violins and elastic drums. Careful changes tack, growing into a twisted thornbush of AFX styled sounds and engaging vox.

Moving along, melancholic falsettos fuel the beautiful ballad Boy From School, with a magical interplay of Joe and Alexis’ voices. “We tried, but we didn’t have long. We tried, but we didn’t belong…”
 
The highlight of the album would have to be Colours - a song of profound simplicity and effortless beauty that perfectly captures all that is good about Hot Chip.

The Warning’s washed out sound and quiet humour will tickle your ears and soothe your pains. Delicious.