- Music
- 06 May 11
Sweet, spare pop classic from Hot Chip chap
Often rock criticism creates a false dichotomy between the music of the head (inauthentic and cold) and the heart (authentic and natural). Great pop has always bridged the two. Because there’s a big difference between being studied (trying to be something you’re not) and being thoughtful (considering with care the words and sounds you use to express yourself). About Group’s sweet vocals and turn of phrase, lovely electric pianos and organs, effected guitars and deceptively wayward electronica, fall into that later category. Featuring Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip, the sound bridges the sound of that band with the latter output of Will Oldham. It’s sweet spare pop music that feels emotional and true, while being openly and happily manufactured (pop fact – their cover features a diagram of the circle of fifths, the basis of Western harmonic structure!).