Made in the…Made in the Dark Hot Chip Astralwerks Records Rocks like: Junior Boys, Daft Punk

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One look at these slightly nerdy Brits doesn’t immediately bring to mind the crazy electro-pop stars who comprise Hot Chip. More likely chess, pocket protectors and “Dungeons and Dragons” make up those first impressions. Then again, electronic music and nerd-dom are not so different. Leave it to Hot Chip to fuse those inherent attitudes with irresistible synth-grooves to show itself in a new light. By embracing the weird, these five kings of electro-pop have cornered the market on strange music videos and excellent electronic music. With the release of its third album, Made in the Dark, Hot Chip adds to its repertoire faster than tribbles multiply on the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Hot Chip has a strong beginning to a strong album with “Out At the Pictures.” The lyrics complement the upbeat style of the music with “Are you at the pictures? Or out at sea?” This track is characterized by building synth-keyboard sounds with hand claps and electric guitar. The refrain brings the song to another level with its effortless cool.

“Shake a Fist” is the familiar song that played on the radio when Made in the Dark had yet to be released. The chorus is subtly danceable, backed by clicking percussion and feedback-style sound. The track ends with a “game” called “Sounds of the Studio.” Basically it is an excuse to use every synth noise that the band can muster, coupled with appropriately placed screams.

The point of the game is unclear, that is, except for the chance to blow your mind and possibly your eardrums. “Shake a Fist” could play in a club, workout- or home-listening setting without raising an eyebrow.

The album goes out on a high note with “Touch Too Much.” This track is a bit slower, with more vocals and classic instrumentals, plus considerably toned-down DJ dance beats. The chorus takes it even slower, completely eliminating the electronic element, focusing on simple hand claps, vocals and, strangely, organs.

Hot Chip has remixed the songs of musicians from Queens of the Stone Age to Amy Winehouse to Bright Eyes. Straight out of London, these guys have been topping the U.K. charts. Following the example of a pioneer in album releases, Radiohead, Hot Chip has been streaming Made in the Dark on its MySpace page free of charge.

Although listeners cannot download the album for free, the stream offers the chance to make a truly informed decision about the purchase.

While you can’t go wrong with a Hot Chip album, it’s nice to save a little cash. For when you are feeling more inclined to spend the $20 that’s been burning a hole in your pocket, the band has offered a CD/DVD edition of the album featuring live performances at the Electric Ballroom, German Melt Festival and Glastonbury Festival.

Made in the Dark keeps in time with Hot Chip’s other exceptional releases. The indisputable catchiness of the band’s songs and the bizarre nature that ties a bow around quirky compilations set the band apart.

Whether your intent is to take yourself out on the dance floor or simply to drown out your snoring roommate, Hot Chip’s Made in the Dark is sure to do the trick. Nerds or not, these British musicians know their electro-pop, and that fact is enough to disregard those feelings of social awkwardness and dance.