Fine album though it was, the occasional diversions into novelty meant Hot Chip's 'Coming On Strong' was not a record to be taken entirely seriously. Its successor needed to provide more depth and to this end, 'The Warning' does a nice job. It is essentially just a more well-rounded record where the thirst for experimentation has simply been bolstered by more mature songwriting.

Most bands - both of the popular and alternative variety - would be proud of producing 'Over And Over'; from its steady disco intro, to its amusing lyrics, to its unusual keyboard hook, it sounds like a record which could soundtrack the best moments of a year. This single, however, is also unrepresentative of a sophomore approach, perhaps best encapsulated in the soulful, melancholic follow-up 'And I Was A Boy From School'. Infact, Hot Chip - and in particular singer Alexis Taylor - always seem right at home with their sensitive side and there will be few soppier songs which sound quite as good as 'Look After Me' and 'So Glad To See You'. Yet, the main improvement on the predecessor comes on the tracks where their childlike experiments seem endearing rather than irritating, as 'Colours' and 'Tchaparian' so ably demonstrate whilst 'Arrest Yourself' is another fine Prince pastiche. As many will have hoped, Hot Chip prove they may well be an "albums act" after all.