Hot Chip - Positive (Marcel Vogel & Adam Port Remix)

In a bit of a sneaky surprise, Hot Chip have tacked on a tremendous new remix of their track "Positive," from 2019 album A Bath Full Of Ecstasy. Appearing as Pete Tong's Essential New Tune Friday night, the Marcel Vogel & Adam Port remix had me questioning what year we were in.

Indeed a new release despite Beatport, Spotify and Soundcloud all crediting the track to last year's remix LP, this epic take on "Positive" is quintessential Hot Chip. The technological twist Vogel & Port put on this track reminds me of perhaps my favourite ever Hot Chip release, the sensational saga that was their 2015 take on New Order's "Tutti Frutti." These two tracks share the same propulsive, funky assembly line feel, making masterful use of mechanical sounds and electrifying effects atop the ever-growing atmosphere. Of course, the electro groove and driving drums are the heartbeat of this powerful remix of "Positive," but the soul and magic of Vogel & Port's production comes from the killer vocal chops. And as always, this is the critical element for me: finding life and organic energy in an otherwise inanimate and entirely electronic production. Here in "Positive," the vivacity of the original remains and indeed blossoms into this beautiful, bouncy and brisk affair. Get it now via Beatport or stream below.FOLLOW HOT CHIP: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Throwback Thursday: Hot Chip - Don't Deny Your Heart (Joe Goddard re-edit)

With Hot Chip's album A Bath Full Of Ecstasy having been released just over one month ago, I felt it was time to turn back the clock and focus on perhaps my favourite remix of Hot Chip, a re-edit from member Joe Goddard. Taken from 2012 album In Our Heads, "Don't Deny Your Heart" was the third single and features some of my favourite elements of all of Hot Chip's incredible catalog. As always Alexis Taylor's voice stands as the pristine pillar at the centre of sublime synths, genius grooves and masterful mix of communal vocals. That said, upon hearing Joe Goddard's 2013 retake it was clear that the pieces laid down in the original weren't quite given the glory they deserve.

More upfront with the funk and energy, as well as the vocal samples and little licks, Joe Goddard's re-edit really lets loose. It feels almost fearless it in its delivery, landing body blows right from the repackaged start. However the genius of Goddard comes in his thoughtful re-positioning of the shimmering strings sweeps and splashy cymbal work, setting us up for the eventual return to the brilliant opening synth bed. And this is where I must stop and address the hilarious mondegreen (misheard lyric) at the beginning. Noted by Stuart Maconie on BBC Radio 4 here, it was said tweet that brought me back to "Don't Deny Your Heart" and now has me saying "Willie Thorne" with each listen.

But back to the music, or dance-floor as opposed to the karaoke bar as it were. This edit does indeed propel listeners more towards their feet with the music forward re-fix. The more upfront percussion (steelpans especially) and extended groove sections really play into the track's title and subsequent lyrics ("don't forget to breathe"), give me and my heart exactly what we desire. My listening habits generally lead me to more music forward productions and this certainly delivers that, while still remaining true to the original's integrity. A god-send, Joe Goddard never fails when he lends his abilities to a track, even more so when he does it twice over. Stream and follow each Joe and Hot Chip below.FOLLOW HOT CHIP: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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RIP Philippe Zdar

You likely know by now, as news broke late last night, one of electronic dance music's most influential people has passed. Philippe Cerboneschi, more widely known as Philippe Zdar, fell from a building in Paris, dying at age 52. However, his presence will remain with us forever. A true pioneer, he was perhaps best known for his part in the duo Cassius, but his masterful mixing skills and undeniable ear sent his musical fingerprints in seemingly infinite directions. His production credits range from Franz Ferdinand and Kanye West to Chromeo and Phoenix. And while his time on this plane of existence is complete, we can expect more new music from him as two albums lay in wait for tomorrow as he contributed to Hot Chip's A Bathful Of Ecstasy and indeed Cassius' first album in three years, Dreems.

While waiting for those final bits to be released, I did a little Throwback Thursday by retracing some of my favourite Zdar in the playlist below. I'll leave you with that, encourage you to read an insightful piece from Laura Snapes on The Guardian here, and, if you feel compelled, do some digging of your own - the reach of Philippe Zdar is, as I said, seemingly infinite. RIP Philippe, thanks for everything...

Hot Chip - Hungry Child

Legendary London outfit Hot Chip have returned with big news. After making waves in recent weeks with a number of shows including an hour long set for BBC's 6 Music Festival (here), they've just announced their first album since 2015's Why Make Sense?. Due out June 21st on Domino Record Co, A Bath Full Of Ecstasy will be the band's seventh studio album. Along with the accompanying tour announcement (see here), Hot Chip have come through with not just a brilliant music video featuring Martin Starr and Milana Vayntrub, but also a couple cuts of sensational lead single "Hungry Child."

It's easy to call this a triumphant return, not just because it's awesome to have Hot Chip back, once again blessing our ears with new music, but because there's quite simply an underlying ecstasy or exultance built into "Hungry Child." The character and quality of their always immaculate craftwork is on full display in both versions. The six minute original is downright divine, slowly yet surely satisfying every bone in your body over the course of the cool, crisp climb. The shorter edit features a rearrangement of the elements into a tighter, more fun focused delivery. Despite the time constraints of this version, Hot Chip's brilliance comes through as they give each element its moment, breathing beautiful into each other. There's no doubt in my mind that "Hungry Child" will be pulling listeners back in for countless repeats as the year goes on and we work towards the release of A Bath Full Of Ecstasy. And best believe I'll be in attendance as they take to The Phoenix Concert Theatre Sept. 12th.FOLLOW HOT CHIP: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER