Hot Chip With Robert Wyatt and Geese
Self-titled
EMI
7/10
In the history of EPs, there have been plenty that could best be described as odd, different, or not part of the mainstream. The self-titled album by Robert Wyatt and Geese is in keeping with that tradition. With an assorted mix of mouth-wa-wa’s, atonal chords and strange lyrics, the album is nothing short of bizarre. What makes this stand out from the others is its brevity and wit. Standing at only four tracks, it is one of the shortest EPs of its kind- closer to a single than a full record. It is also one of the hardest to categorize exactly for that reason.
From the opening notes of “Made in the Dark,” we are introduced into a strange world of synths and odd harmonies that are only equal to the ponderous tone of the lyrics. Drawing from influences as diverse as they are inspirational, such as folk-rock and 70s popular music, Wyatt and Geese manage to create a record that is as introspective and wide-ranging as the existential themes they explore. As with the title track, each of the songs explores a specific meme- be it love, death, sex, or the meaning of life itself. The interlocking nature of the songs adds yet another layer to what is already a complex album to begin with.
Musically speaking, the album itself is quite listenable. Despite the unusual nature of the songs, the exchange of harmonies between the two singers is mellifluous and symmetrical, far from the usual faire of discordant tracks that are commonly grouped into the label “avant-garde.” One gets a sense of a genuine chemistry between Alexis Taylor, Joe Goddard and the artists here- even Wyatt and Geese. The band has always prided itself on being polished, yet this is perhaps one of the most polished they’ve produced. Also, the deepest.
Because of the brevity of the album, it is hard to say which among the tracks is lacking. Each of them is special and unique in their own way. “Made in the Dark” is slow and thoughtful, while “We’re Looking for a Lot of Love” is more uplifting and experimental. Nevertheless, the quality of each are cannot be disputed. This is a professional album, made by professionals, even if it is accessible to the masses. One only wishes they bothered to record more tracks.
While Hot Chip with Robert Wyatt and Geese may not be everyone’s cup of tea- or coffee, as the case may be- if odd, atonal tracks about sex and death is your thing, at $9.99 cents, this import is a steal.
John Winn