Chromeo // Hot Mess
After their first breakout album ‘Fancy Footwork’ (a firm favourite on Noize’s iPod circa 2008), it was clear that Chromeo held the 80’s as a decade in high regard. Admittedly, their second album ‘Business Casual’ has not been a massive departure from the swirling synths and disco beats which palpitated through such hits as ‘Tenderoni’ and ‘Bonafied Lovin’ but they do welcome in Elly Jackson (the androgynous one who got remixed by Skream) for their latest single ‘Hot Mess’.
Her distinctive voice gives the song a new dimension and a slightly more feminine feel – whereas most of Chromeo’s are sung from a masculine perspective, Jackson attempts to wave the flag for women everywhere and tell the story of the ‘hot mess’ who is made the subject of the song.
The two protagonists obviously have issues – with commitment and feelings of isolation – and it works brilliantly played off to a soundtrack of vocoder and cowbell (which are incidentally the best combination of musical instruments I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to).
Not the most radical song Chromeo could have put out, but Hall and Oates would be proud – check out the YT footage of both bands jamming in Daryl Hall’s converted barn. And Jackson brings something a little more intriguing and enigmatic to the party, injecting a little darkness into the ebullient major chords of the duo’s normal fare.
Check out the video for ‘Hot Mess’ HERE
- Darcy Mitchell, for Noize
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