Concert Review: Hot Chip @ 9:30 Club (6/1/23)

The English band Hot Chip, bringers of dance, came to the 9:30 Club to indulge the super sold out crowd with a night of epic synth-pop.

They also stayed for a sleepover and performed one of the first 44 shows at The Atlantis next door on June 2nd. I was able to attend their show at the 9:30 Club, and I’m glad I did. This marked the fourth time I’ve seen them live, but the last time was two lifetimes ago (2015) at Echostage.

Hot Chip is touring North America for their eighth studio album, 2022’s Freakout/Release (via Domino), titled to highlight the world’s current reality. It is good to see a band that began in 2000 still going strong; still crafting songs that can elevate mere listeners to that of the most adventurous of dancers. The preferred mode of dance for many in the 9:30 Club crowd included throwing their hands up in the air and letting the music overtake them — propelling them onwards . Where they went after that was part of their own personal Hot Chip journey.

Hot Chip kicked off the set with “Huarache Lights”, where huarache is either food or footwear, but in this case speaks to a mood of escapism that the band experienced in London while DJing. The stage lights were a constant eye-popping red, and I swear at times the music sounded like the red alert claxons in Star Trek.

Next came “Down”, the first of of five songs they played from Freakout/Release. “Down” is a 70’s era, disco ball loving track that was the first they recorded for the new album, and speaks to getting ‘back together with your bandmates’ and enjoying yourself.

Formed in London, they released their first album in 2004. Hot Chip is comprised of Alexis Taylor (vocals, synthesizer, etc.), Joe Goddard (vocals, synthesizer, etc.), Owen Clark (guitar, bass, synthesizer, etc.), Al Doyle (guitar, synthesizer, etc.), and Felix Martin (drums, synthesizer). There was one additional backing band member that added guitar during a few songs. He probably used a synthesizer too, but I missed that detail. I can report that the stage was agreeably synthesizer friendly, as each of the main five band members played one early and often.

The concert set-up was simple, no specific decorations behind or on the stage. Only said synthesizers, the band, and a few other pesky instruments invited our scrutiny. Oh, and lights. So many shiny and colorful lights. And to show solidarity (presumably) with the happy DC denizens, Alexis wore a Ben’s Chili Bowl shirt.

“Flutes”, from 2012’s In Our Heads, was among my favorite songs they performed, partially because it received the first huge dance reaction, but also because it reveals how Hot Chip crafts much of their music. Inescapable dance beat, wistfully hopeful lyrics crooned by Alexis, and no person in earshot standing still.

Later “One Life Stand”, from the 2010 album of the same name, brought probably the biggest dance drop of the night. The song’s message is a pleasant pun, which highlights how commitment can be a strength in love.

They ended the main set with “I Feel Better”, also from One Life Stand, about finding solace in the your partner’s arms, even if for only one night. This song, and its exceedingly weird music video (go watch it – it won Best Dance Video in the UK Music Video Awards), was a staple during the heyday of DC9’s Friday night Liberation Dance Party (let’s say 2008-2011). You would arrive at DC9 early, grab a couple of the free rail drinks, and eagerly hope Hot Chip was on the playlist so everyone could feel better.

They returned with a four song encore, including “Miss the Bliss” from Freakout/Release, and “Over and Over”, one of their first and biggest hits. Sensing the end of the evening, everyone dug down deep and peacocked all their remaining dance moves for the good of humanity. Then the night ended with the subdued and introspective “Look at Where We Are”, providing each happy concert goer the chance to catch their breath before re-entering a fearful outside world that often misunderstands the desire and proclivity to dance. With joy. With passion. With unwavering dedication. Because if we won’t dance, who will?

In all, Hot Chip performed 16 songs, spanning seven of their eight albums, only missing a track from their debut album, Coming on Strong.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen Hot Chip live (or *gasp* you never have), it will behoove you to put on some of their songs and dance. One path is to listen to their latest album. Or you could start with either their 2008 album, Made In the Dark, or 2010’s One Life Stand. Don’t let anyone prevent you from dancing. Ever.

Key Words to Live By: Dance, synthesizer

Setlist