-
9.0
131030
9.0 |
PopMatters
Hot Chip’s Freakout/Release is an extraordinary display of synthpop versatility and invention, born of collaboration, improvisation, and the psychological mess of lockdown
Read Review
-
8.0
131031
8.0 |
Mojo
A mix of pulsing, oven-ready bangers and darker reflections, Freakout/Release exudes the confidence of a band operating at its giddy peak. Print edition only
-
8.0
131055
8.0 |
Northern Transmissions
By addressing, confronting and reconciling their deepest insecurities, Hot Chip have made a subtly defiant record that stares melancholy in the face and with a wry smile says “not today pal”
Read Review
-
8.0
131059
8.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
Freakout/Release features many moments of quintessential Hot Chip fun, but explores other exciting avenues as well
Read Review
-
8.0
131089
8.0 |
Exclaim
Tugs on the bare threads of the moth-eaten sweater of our collective conscience while leaving us dope beats to step to and good thoughts in our heads
Read Review
-
8.0
131094
8.0 |
All Music
Touching on Hot Chip 's classic themes and sounds as much as it does, Freakout/Release isn't an entirely clean slate, but it does offer some fresh perspectives on their music along with one of their strongest batches of songs in some time
Read Review
-
8.0
131110
8.0 |
The FT
Hot Chip are ever-ready for the floor while willing to dip into darker emotions
Read Review
-
8.0
131250
8.0 |
The Quietus
The album leaves us on a much-needed note of musical and lyrical hope, that we will, apparently, get through this. It’d be nice to think so
Read Review
-
7.9
131173
7.9 |
Spectrum Culture
The politics of danceable desperation, with life in the modern age and the realities of middle-age brought to the fore
Read Review
-
7.8
131091
7.8 |
Paste Magazine
Two decades in, Hot Chip captures the energy of their live shows in the studio — and on a dance floor near you
Read Review
-
7.6
131137
7.6 |
Pitchfork
Treating music as something like a homeopathic remedy, Freakout/Release joins doubt with deliverance over the cleansing pulse of a disco beat
Read Review
-
7.0
131063
7.0 |
Gigwise
Freakout/Release offers an equal parts mix of radio-friendly singalong, hedonistic abandon and mellowed introspection, resulting in another triumph for a group steadily making their way towards legend status
Read Review
-
7.0
131083
7.0 |
Clash
Closing with the pensive ‘Out Of My Depth’, this new album is a punchy song cycle, one framed by Hot Chip’s mutual experiences
Read Review
-
7.0
131032
7.0 |
Uncut
Lyrical malaise is matched, as ever, by immaculately crafted electronic pop music that veers just as much into joy, elation and euphoria as it does melancholic introspection. Print edition only
-
7.0
131033
7.0 |
musicOMH
A pleasing, mature release that begins with a vintage mobile disco vibe before progressing to restrained and introspective keyboard contemplations
Read Review
-
6.0
131034
6.0 |
The Skinny
Front-loaded with fun, Freakout/Release sets expectations high but doesn't quite deliver
Read Review
-
6.0
131035
6.0 |
The Observer
The British dance-pop favourites make forays into the wilder side, but their mellow tempo prevails
Read Review
-
6.0
131051
6.0 |
The Arts Desk
One song makes extended reference to the story that playwright Samuel Beckett used to give the young André the Giant lifts to school
Read Review
-
6.0
131087
6.0 |
Slant Magazine
A potent sense of artistic and existential dissatisfaction permeates the synth-pop band’s eighth album
Read Review
-
6.0
131062
6.0 |
DIY
It’s a little surprising how much of ‘Freakout / Release’ sounds quite this forced
Read Review
-
6.0
131090
6.0 |
NME
One of the most consistently entertaining electro-pop outfits of their generation have released their most introspective album yet
Read Review
-