A-

In 2006 Hot Chip declared they would break your legs. The threat could suggest they’re a violent mob of musicians, but more likely a menace for those on the dance floor. The latter proves to be partially true on Made in the Dark. It is a catchy collection of off-beat dance songs where a fourth of the record is consumed by slower songs. The title track is a tender breakup ballad and the delicate elegy, “Whistle for Will” sounds like Paul McCartney. The timbre of Alex Taylor’s voice does carry a resemblance to Sir Paul though it is slightly smokier and more subdued.

Keyboardist Joe Goddard’s lower, deadpan British register also pops up more often offering a counter-balance to Taylor’s more poetic moments. It’s his voice that brings a creepy touch to the doomed ending of “We’re Looking for a Lot of Love” and his that makes, “Bendable Poseable” charming. “Wrestlers,” which could be an analogy for a violent and physical love, is genuinely about wrestling. It’s hard not to like a song that contains the lyrics: “Here we come/ drop kick/Half nelson, full nelson/Willie Nelson, Willie Nelson.” Goddard’s dry listing of the sport’s paraphernalia and terminology takes the song to different heights.

For all its resilient electronica, dance, pop and matured lyricism, Made in the Dark still comes up short of greatness. They utilize percussion better than most similar acts, their hooks are addictive, their production both edgy and fun, but there’s something missing that draws me only to certain songs versus the whole album.