In Our Heads

London's Hot Chip has rediscovered the joy in its life and music. The somewhat somber glory of 2010's One Life Stand, however, can still be heard in spots. "Look at Where We Are" works over a wistful texture with an Alexis Taylor falsetto that's pure R&B. "These Chains" revolves on an '80s synth-pop platform that recalls the romance of Duran Duran and New Order with a rich melody that's subtly inescapable. But the band hasn't forgotten the needs of the dance floor. The seven-minute "Flutes" builds slowly and carefully to a satisfying climax that calls up a striking melody to match the propulsive beats. "Motion Sickness" has a relentless but luxurious groove that's filled with sweet points of light and elliptical keyboard riffs. "How Do You Do?" works playfully with a mechanized, hypnotic bass line underneath the synth patches. Disco, techno, and synth-pop coalesce in unpredictable patterns to create music that's innovative yet still comforting and familiar.