Hot Chip: Still Funkier Than They Have Any Right to Be

Hot Chip's sixth album, "Why Make Sense?", showcases their continued ability to find pure joy while acknowledging its limitations. The London quintet, formed 15 years ago, creates pop songs that draw from house, R&B, and hip-hop traditions, rather than the other way around.

Tracks like "Burning Up" capture their signature blend of humor and wistfulness, reflecting on youthful abandon giving way to consequences. Co-leader Joe Goddard's lyrics acknowledge the interplay between adult life and lingering youthful sentiments.

The band, now in their mid-thirties, has become an established act, their eclectic style now the norm. Unlike contemporaries who have disbanded, Hot Chip persists, maintaining their romantic, funky, and bittersweet appeal.

"Why Make Sense?" is their smoothest and most professional-sounding album to date. While this refinement might seem less unconventional for a band known for unexpected twists, their core approach remains. Songs like "Need You Now" evoke a melancholic perfection, while "White Wine and Fried Chicken" playfully tackles gastronomy. The album confronts existential crises, creating an interesting tension with its polished sound.