Tag Archives: Alexis Taylor

Switched On – Alexis Taylor: Paris In The Spring (Night Time Stories)

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Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

In which the Hot Chip frontman and vocalist Alexis Taylor completes his seventh solo album, this time casting the musical net far and wide with the help of good friend Nicolas Godin, one half of Air.

Nicolas and son Pablo share studio duties on an album whose collaborators also include The Avalanches and Étienne de Crécy, Lola Kirke and, perhaps most strikingly, Scritti Politti mastermind Green Gartside.

What’s the music like?

Given Taylor’s distinctive voice, a lot of the music is instantly recognisable when it comes to the author, but the stylistic departures from Hot Chip’s successful blueprint of soulful club house are frequent and on occasion daring.

These are some of the most emotive songs yet that Alexis has committed to record, especially Colombia, where he moves through bitter regret, and For A Toy, where he asks, “Why do I keep on fucking up the only thing I have ever loved?” There is always wry humour within arm’s reach, though, and in this particular song he is helped by the pure tones of Pale Blue’s Elizabeth Wright.

Elswhere the mood is much more positive, and mp3s Can Make You Cry, On A Whim, the successful hook-up with Gartside, and the outstanding Out Of Phase, with Lola Kirke, all hit the spot. A brave and wholly successful cover of The Rolling Stones‘ Wild Horses shows a vulnerable side, while The Avalanches and Étienne de Crécy fuel dancefloor happiness on I Can Feel Your Love.

Does it all work?

Mostly – and very enjoyably. Taylor really pushes himself creatively, and clearly enjoys doing so.

Is it recommended?

Yes, very much so – Hot Chip fans will love it, and the way in which Alexis Taylor crosses stylistic boundaries with creative freedom is a cause for celebration. Not many vocalists would be this brave, or this successful in their endeavours!

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,837 – Wednesday 25 March 2026

Switched On – HAAi – Humanise (Mute)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

HAAi’s second album, as its title implies, is a look at what it means to be human in an increasingly automated age, “as AI threatens to eclipse everything and our screens separate us from each other”.

With that in mind, HAAi – real name Teneil Throssell – returns to her songwriting roots, using her own vocals and further enhancing the human element in a series of carefully chosen collaborations.

These include her friends Jon Hopkins, Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip, singer Obi Franky and rapper KAM-BU, the poet Kaiden Ford, James Massiah and not one but two choirs – TRANS VOICES and a gospel choir led by Wendi Rose.

What’s the music like?

Humanise is as emotive as the story demands it should be. HAAi has a beautiful voice, and lends it to a wide variety of soundscapes that range from harder, beat driven affairs to big, spacious areas for contemplation.

Often both of these elements combine, as they do on the Jon Hopkins collaboration  Satellite, the comforting lead vocal boosted by Obi Franky, ILĀ & TRANS VOICES, with glitchy beats and surround sound provided by Hopkins. The same ploy works well for Stitches later on.

There is a sense of melancholy running through the album, to tangible effect on the otherwise anthemic Can’t Stand To Lose and the brilliant New Euphoria, where Alexis Taylor helps lift the music to a higher plane.

Meanwhile Shapeshift carries an impressive weight while Voices is superb, powering through. Go is a really good slow burner, while at the other extreme the nippy Hey! races forwards; both examples of the variety found on Humanise.

Does it all work?

It does – the album is well structured, and there is a satisfying ebb and flow to the tempo choices and peaks of intensity. In spite of the many collaborations, HAAi’s voice shines through.

Is it recommended?

Enthusiastically. This may be an electronic album, but it is one stressing the importance of the human brains behind our automated tools, and what keeps those brains and minds ticking and alive.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,717 – Thursday 13 November 2025