HOT CHIP
April 16, 2008
Phoenix Concert Theatre

Last night's Hot Chip show was their first visit back to Toronto since the release of their latest disc Made In The Dark. I was a bit apprehensive, the album isn't as upbeat and fun as their last two efforts, and I was worried that the show would be a let down. I was very, very wrong.

They began their set at 10:15pm with Out At The Pictures from Made In The Dark. It sounded decent, no live drums, all programmed and drum machines. They then transitioned into Boys From School from The Warning, which was much more dense and full sounding live. Their set consisted of an equal mix of old/new material, including Over & Over (full audience sing along), Ready For The Floor, Bendable Poseable, Shake A Fist and a great version of Made In The Dark. I have to say that they are probably the best electronic act I have seen live, they transform their heavily bedroom studio-esque tunes to beat beat floor fillers. Who knew that their live show would be better than their recorded material? I sure as hell didn't. Oh, and the guys in the band really seem like they love what they do, especially the gent who plays bass and keyboards, last night in he shuffled around the stage like a true showman decked out in wicked white jeans. He was amazing. Check these guys out next time they roll through the city, they won't disappoint.

Photo Credit: Antoniele via Flickr.