Hot Chip may have finally found the balance between synthy hijinks and melodic sincerity. Although less immediately gratifying than previous efforts, One Life Stand contains nine mature, well-rounded nuggets of pop genius, and one dire ballad (the aptly-named ‘Slush’).

The whole affair is decidedly understated, with really only the title track offering the kind of dancefloor potential seen in ‘Over and Over’ or ‘Ready for the Floor’. Everything comes together with artisan precision to create a rewarding journey that both calms and unsettles the ears, most adeptly through the looming pads, muted steel drums and half-mumbled vocals of ‘Keep Quiet’.

Whilst not in any way alien to existing fans, One Life Stand should finally attain Hot Chip the full scope of respect they deserve.

Matt Grimble