Album Review: New Build – Yesterday Was Lived and Lost

New Build is not the first Hot Chip fronted side-project to surface in 2012. Back in January electro-duo The 2 Bears released their new album Be Strong, and gained a well-respected reputation amongst many music lovers. But now, only a couple of months later, it’s the turn of their fellow band members Al Doyle and Felix Martin, who have teamed up with their long time friend and producer Tom Hopkins, to try and impress the rest of us with this eagerly awaited debut Yesterday Was Lived and Lost.

As the aptly named ‘Introduction’ fades into view, it’s glossy tones set the mood perfectly, leading straight into the pop grooves of second song ‘Medication’. Opening lyrics “When you’re all alone/And you’re feeling terrified/Try some medication” flow brilliantly amongst a backing track that oozes with 80s charm, handclaps n’all. And as far as first impressions go, it is a good one.

Whilst each of the smooth, synth driven songs leap from one to another, it becomes apparent that there is a Hot Chip vibe present that surrounds the entire record.

Probably due to Hopkins also being the producer of One Life Stand (Hot Chip’s last record). Yet, the further into the album you progress, the more indulgent it becomes. It’s like finally admitting that you enjoyed all of those cheesy 80s movies you grew up watching, but claim you hate.

Standout tune ‘Behind the Shutter’ brings together all the workings of a complex pop song, but somehow manages to present itself in a wonderfully simple way. Gated pads pulse throughout the whole song, keeping together a sturdy rhythm that is gradually layered up with vocals, drums and, yep you guessed it, more synthesisers.

Yesterday Was Lived and Lost is a record that is sure to make its way into a fair share of this years “Albums of the Year” polls, and rightly so. Not only have the members shown us their diversity when it comes to making new and exciting music, but it’s also a step in the right direction for a genre that is filled to the brim with mediocre bands.

By Rob Bramhill
@hairy_mouth