Hot Chip - One Life Stand

Although it's been two years since Hot Chip's last album, 2008's Made In The Dark, it somehow feels like it hasn't been that long at all. Either way, Hot Chip have returned with a new album for 2010, One Life Stand, due out on February 8. Singer Alexis Taylor's voice has never sounded better as it takes the focal point on One Life Stand, from the glitchy "Thieves In The Night," to the abrasive beats of the title track. As someone who felt that Made In The Dark went on a bit too long at thirteen tracks and fifty-three minutes, One Life Stand is much more concise in its ten tracks, cutting out the fat and delivering some of Hot Chip's best songs this time around. Unfortunately, a few not-so-great tracks do make the cut, like the sappy "Brothers," with horrific lyrics like "I can play Xbox with my brothers." Or how about the opening intro to "Slush," with its ridiculous refrain of "Humana humana"? Yes, the catcall has made it into Hot Chip's lyrics and the results are dreadful. Thankfully, their beats and Taylor's voice make up for some of the weaker points on the album, giving fans several tracks to appreciate on One Life Stand.

DOWNLOAD: Hot Chip - One Life Stand [EMI]
Recommended Tracks: "Thieves In The Night," "Hand Me Down Your Love," "One Life Stand," "We Have Love."