New music releases continue to reflect the trials, tribulations, and traumas of the pandemic, with many artists taking the time away from the road to look inward and find new ways to cope with a world shut down. Hot Chip’s latest, Freakout / Release is another example. The title certainly reflects the during and “after” period, from when the virus ran amok to the gradual easing of restrictions and tragedies after vaccines were made available.

NME calls the band’s eighth record its “most introspective album yet,” noting the themes of “depression, anxiety, toxic masculinity, burnout, and more” on the album. The band delivers these feelings through buoyant and funky dance grooves. 

The group invited collaborators like ​​Soulwax, rapper Cadence Weapon, and Lou Hayter into the studio to bring extra layers to its signature electro-funk sound.