Wednesday 24th February 2010 @ Academy, Bristol

A gentle start, with a sea of crowds flooding the dance floor, so it’s almost impossible to get down, people hanging off the banisters to get a look at the five-piece yet to appear. As the tension builds in the dark room, everyone eagerly awaits. The electronic beat kicks in and takes its grip. The crowd start bobbing gently, almost like a valium induced rave, and the ever upbeat but chilled Hot Chip take to the stage. The lights turn to a moody blue and smoke envelopes them. As Ready For The Floor begins to play, it is a clear crowd pleaser and everyone wakes up; the atmosphere remains chilled, yet excitable.

Looking around at the mix of people, from regular ravers to those on their monthly outing, young to old and cool to nerdy, there is clearly something about this group that appeals to the masses, which makes me wonder why at the point of their third album they are still relatively unknown.

Maybe it’s their notorious nerd status that pulls in the crowds, maybe it’s the dark and intriguing atmosphere that surrounds them, or maybe it’s their totally unique ability to combine chill with dance, dark yet melodic, and modern with a kick of the eighties. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt it works.

As the evening draws, on the crowd sink well into the atmosphere, sounds and beats, the what was at one time gentle bobbing has been taken over by more enthusiastic and fun-themed dance floor debauchery. The set progresses and it feels all too soon. The crowd could easily continue for another stretch of funky, melodic delight. It’s been a good mix of new and old but to be expected, Over And Over is the perfect finale; I just wish that the night was going over and over and over…

www.hotchip.co.uk

Gemma Slate
Photos by Sam Berry