Album Review: yesterday was lived and lost new build

New Build is what happens when you take a tab of Hot Chip and a hit of LCD Soundsystem at the same time. Felix Martin (Hot Chip) and Al Doyle (Hot Chip/LCD) have teamed up with Tom Hopkins to record New Build's debut record, Yesterday Was Lived And Lost.

The album opens with a short instrumental that functions as a gateway into the realm of New Build. A tranquil lift of keys and chimes, the intro softly elevates the listener into serene sonic surroundings before startling them with the punchy lyrical burst of “When you're all alone and you're feeling terrified, try some medication”. Delivered over a funky bass line, the seemingly pro-drug content may actually be an allegory for alternative consciousness-shifting entities; perhaps even music itself. Whatever the case, the addictive hook of Medication will have listeners twitching for another fix.

Yesterday Was Lived And Lost is more of an introspective comedown electro record than a blurred, double-vision jaw-grinder. That's not to say there aren't plenty of moments to cut loose. Standout tracks Behind The Shutter and Do You Not Feel Loved? are both mid-tempo floorfillers that you can either nod your head or pump your fist to. But the lyrics are often reflective, giving the whole album a grounded appeal.

The self-evident effort to blend wondrous tones with ponderous thoughts helps New Build express that intangible positive feeling that is somewhat unique to electronic-based music. A measured success, Yesterday Was Lived And Lost is best enjoyed via headphones whilst walking through your favourite city refuge or in the company of scattered friends strewn across a living room floor as dawn breaks.