Live Review: Hot Chip – Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA

Last night (September 29th, 2023), the English electro-pop ensemble, Hot Chip, brought their energetic soundscapes to the famed Hollywood Palladium. Fans who attended were treated to an audio-visual experience, narrated by an intricate dance of lights and the band’s signature eclectic beats.

Diving headfirst into their set with “Huarache Lights,” Hot Chip covered the venue with rhythmic red and white stage lighting, turning the place into a pulsating galaxy of its own. Without missing a beat, they plunged into “Down,” a single taken from their recent album release Freakout/Release.

Next up, Hot Chip‘s vocalist Alexis Taylor got the crowd into the groove with a drumstick-initiated clap-a-long before setting the crowd alive as the band performed a synchronized dance routine for their song “Flutes.” Now three songs in, and a crowd already in full cheer, Taylor took a moment to shoot a genuine and heartfelt shoutout of thanks.

A tangible connection painted the air during “One Life Stand,” with synthesist Owen Clarke and guitarist Al Doyle maintaining the magnetic vibrancy, which effortlessly flowed into the intensifying symphony of “Night & Day.” The venue was alive with alternating flashes of red and blue, while the crowd swayed in tow.

The night marked the band’s live debut of “Fire of Mercy.” The harmonious dance between Joe Goddard’s and Taylor’s vocals was like a majestic symphony, only elevated by the rhythmic bass grooves rolled out by Nick, their guitar tech. “Freakout/Release” flipped the script, dialing up a rock-forward vibe that played as the perfect counterbalance to the earlier synth-dominant anthems. This fresh flavor paved the way seamlessly for the crowd-favorite, “Ready for the Floor.” The crowd reacted with collective joy, and although many chose to capture the performance through their phones, the contagious dance fever began to sweep through every corner of the venue.

Watch Hot Chip’s “Fire of Mercy” music video below

Gratitude was the recurring melody of the night, with heartfelt thanks extended to Nick by the band, before culminating in the unified symphony of “Melody of Love.” The crowd was all in, arms raised and lights flashing, bringing “I Feel Better” to life. The song ended with a lone maraca shake from Taylor, who seemed to be matching the lively vibes of Clarke, before the group existed the stage.

To start their encore, Goddard began sharing his admiration for Los Angeles, as well as the crowd, before Taylor expressed his appreciation for their upcoming guest. Enter Eddie Chacon. The next song was raised as a tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor, with Eddie taking the vocal helm for a cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” And as they closed the curtain with “Hungry Child” and the everyone’s-favorite “Over and Over,” the streets of LA were left buzzing with happiness and dancing shadows.

Seventeen years since their debut album, The Warning, Hot Chip continue to deliver a set of youthful zest, still sparkling with unbridled energy. The night was a living testament to the band’s vibrancy and a collective celebration. Hot Chip’s journey is as spirited and resonant as the day it started, an eternal dance of passion and sound.

For more information on Hot Chip, visit their official website here.