Preview: Hot Chip at Columbiahalle

by | indieBerlin

Dig out your dorky dancing shoes for Hot Chip
It is a curious fact that in the early 00s approximately 75% of the British population were members of electro-synth-pop indie bands [citation needed, “own memory” not a reliable source]. It seemed as though every week a new album would drop from some affable looking group of young folks with quirky hairstyles. All processed vocals and stylish wardrobes, the vast majority of these groups faded fast. However, Hot Chip, with their anti-fashion stylings and authentic nerdiness endured. This gang of musical misfits, who could be straight out of their high school ‘mathletics’ team, bring their irresistible brand of indie-pop to Columbiahalle next week for what should be a massive party.
Coming together in London in 2000, the band went quickly from a bedroom recording project to an award-winning alternative music powerhouse. Their first two albums established them as a hot up-and-comer on the British indie scene, before 2008’s ‘Made in the Dark’ launched them onto an unsuspecting global audience. This was in part due to the tearaway success of ‘Ready for the Floor’, which was nominated for a Grammy and has become a staple of all discerning alternative DJs since. Channelling the likes of Devo, the Pet Shop Boys and disco legends such as Chic, they make an addictively infectious and fun sound. Their penchant for innovative and ground-breaking music videos made them a regular feature on MTV throughout the peak years of their success.
While the prevailing direction of indie changed somewhat away from the dance-pop of the 00s, the band continued to release critically very well-received albums throughout the 2010s. They have also cultivated a reputation as an unmissable live act with a brilliantly unpredictable and engaging show. This reviewer bore witness to the madness at Primavera Sound in 2013 and came away from the hour or so a changed man. Currently touring this year’s ‘A Bathful of Ecstasy’, one of their most consistently dance-focused records, they show no signs of slowing down and guarantee the audience a great time.
Hot Chip will play at Columbiahalle on December 3rd. Tickets are available here.

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