Live Review: Hot Chip

Audiences who had flooded in to see sold out UK outfit Hot Chip were treated to a David Bowie tribute before their performance, with We Can Be Heroes playing on stage just before the band had emerged. When they did, they were met with rapturous energy and applause from the crowd, who already couldn't seem to get enough of the band's subtle yet charismatic stage presence.

They opened with a track off their latest album, Huarache Lights, and received waves of support from the crowd between songs. Every member of the audience had gotten up off their feet and now were dancing and singing along with the lyrics. Hot Chip followed through with One Life Stand, with Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard both on vocals and sounding impeccably great live. Goddard was dressed in a sharp navy suit and Taylor in a white two-piece suit ensemble with an Aztec print kimono draped over his shoulders; they looked clean cut, high fashion and overwhelmingly British.

Flutes was even more beautiful and hypnotic live. The almost eight-minute jewel shone like a beacon of light in the middle of their set, creating this sense of euphoric nostalgia associated with the majority of Hot Chip's musical creations. They had somehow managed to recreate an outdoor festival vibe in a seated performance at the Opera House. Their unique blend of high quality alternative dance/synth pop seemed to have a deep connection with every person in the room — and that feeling was undeniably infectious.

The band were treated to a wild, raging call for an encore for minutes after their last song, when they waltzed back on stage to end with Dancing In The Dark/All My Friends, covering Bruce Springsteen and LCD Soundsystem. Hot Chip delivered such an exhilarating performance for the entire length of their set, that it was truly almost heartbreaking to see them go.