Hot Chip

Six albums into their career and Hot Chip present us with the chaotic and mesmerising 'Why Make Sense?' A fast-paced mix of disco, funk, electro-pop and RnB, the album is a sure sign that the band are just getting better with age.

Single 'Huarache Lights' kicks off the album and it's everything we've come to expect from Hot Chip: catchy and strangely familiar. It's a strong album opener, with hints of Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories'. It paves the way for the rest of the album, starting off loud and fast-paced, with more reflective and melancholy moments scattered throughout.

'Love Is The Future' moves into a slightly more RnB feel, with De La Soul's Posdnuos featuring on vocals. The band embraces their romantic side here, something that has always featured strongly throughout their albums. It may be fairly laid back, but it's a positive, uplifting track, and a real highlight of the album. 'Started Right' brings some great disco-influenced funk, whereas the oddly named 'White Wine and Fried Chicken' slows things considerably; a ballad in the middle of a frantic album. It's a beautiful pit stop, however, sounding Broken Bells-inspired as the band reflects on the changes found in a long-term relationship.

Continue reading: Hot Chip - Why Make Sense? Album Review

Barcelona: arguably the most picturesque city in Europe. Situated on the Mediterranean coast in the heart of the Catalonian region, it's a landmine of history and culture. In amongst the beautiful landscapes and symbolic architecture; much of it crafted by Antoni Gaudi; lies the wonderful Park Guell, while at the city's highest point resides the Olympic Stadium, redeveloped with an increased capacity for the 1992 event. Then, of course, there's always the world famous Nou Camp, home to arguably the greatest and most successful football club of this generation, which is where our week long journey begins. 

Arriving a day early before Primavera's festivities start enables us to take in the unique atmosphere as champions Barcelona narrowly defeat Real Valladolid by the odd goal. It also allows one final opportunity to contemplate this year's timetable where clashes aplenty are the order of most days. However, such a haven of choices marks a great festival, right? Right. 

This year's event marks the thirteenth edition of Primavera Sound and, with weekend tickets having sold out months ago, it would be fair to say it's one of the few whose reputation and audience is growing despite the current economic decline. Mainly situated across three venues; the Parc Del Forum, Parc De La Ciutadella and Sala Apolo; Primavera has developed from an initial three-day weekend into a full blown seven-day event. 

Continue reading: Primavera Sound 2013 - Live Review