Freakout/Release
47 min · 11 tracks · synth-pop
A vibrant amalgamation of danceable beats and introspective lyrics, melding the playful with the profound in synth-pop form.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Down Start here — The opening track sets a lively tone with its infectious rhythms and lyrical exploration of emotional vulnerability, encapsulating the album's balance of joy and introspection.
-
→
Eleanor — With its catchy hooks and funky bassline, this track exemplifies Hot Chip's knack for blending danceable grooves with poignant storytelling about connection and longing.
-
→
Freakout/Release — The title track serves as a manifesto of sorts, featuring an upbeat tempo that invites listeners to embrace chaos and liberation amidst life's uncertainties.
-
→
Not Alone — This song combines heartfelt lyrics with an uplifting melody, creating an anthem for solidarity and reassurance that resonates deeply in contemporary times.
-
→
Time — Reflecting on the passage of time through a synth-driven landscape, this track blends nostalgic elements with a modern twist, showcasing the band's evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends engaging melodies with thoughtful lyrics, maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
- Several tracks feature layered synths that create a rich texture, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged.
- The album closes with a gradual fade-out on the final track, allowing for an introspective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady groove for dancing
- reflective moments between beats
- uplifting energy for gatherings
- engaging rhythms for focus
- vibrant soundscapes for celebration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower, introspective music
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued evolution and relevance in their sound after several albums.
- Career context
- Released in August 2022, Freakout/Release is Hot Chip's seventh studio album, arriving five years after their previous record, A Bath Full of Ecstasy. The band continues to evolve their sound while maintaining a distinct blend of electronic pop that has characterized their career since their debut in 2004.
- Stylistic neighbors
- LCD Soundsystem· Empire of the Sun· Cut Copy
Tracklist
- 1 Down Start here 3:53
- 2 Eleanor 5:09
- 3 Freakout/Release 3:17
- 4 Broken 3:24
- 5 Not Alone 4:32
- 6 Hard to Be Funky 4:11
- 7 Time 4:35
- 8 Miss the Bliss 4:56
- 9 The Evil That Men Do 5:25
- 10 Guilty 4:02
- 11 Out of My Depth 3:56
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
This Is Happening
LCD Soundsystem
Both blend introspective lyrics with infectious dance beats, creating an emotional yet euphoric atmosphere.
Currents
Tame Impala
Shares a vibrant synth-driven sound and explores themes of personal transformation and liberation.
Walking on a Dream
Empire of the Sun
Combines dreamy synth-pop melodies with a sense of adventure and escapism, enhancing dance floor experiences.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.