Hot Chip with Robert Wyatt and Geese

March 2, 2009 by Editor
Filed under 2008 Releases, Album Reviews

Hot Chip with Robert Wyatt and Geese

Release Date: December 23, 2008
Record Label: EMI Records

Review:

This is one of the more interesting EPs I’ve listened to in quite a while. The electropop outfit Hot Chip already has quite a few re-mix recordings under their belt, so their fans are accustomed to a continuing state of experimentation. To further drive that point, they enlisted progressive rock and experimental music icon Robert Wyatt, who appears on three tracks.

This EP hits you right away with new rendition of the off-tempo song “Made In The Dark.” The song includes the jaw harp as it’s new focus, seemingly holding equal weight with the vocals at times. The harmonies and other instrumentation can be rather dissonant and haunting, a trait carried throughout the EP.

“One Pure Thought” is largely unrecognizable from the album version except for the vocals. I think it’s a rather brilliant interpretation. The first three tracks move at a very methodical pace, but this songs picks it up and creates a plucky, energetic, and chaotic sonic landscape.

I like this EP. I think some of the remixes are superior, but only because I wasn’t too attached to the originals in the first place. I think the changes are quite jarring, but as stated earlier, Hot Chip fans expect to be shaken up a bit.

Track Listing: