A Bath Full of Ecstasy

For their seventh album, ‘A Bath Full of Ecstasy,’ Hot Chip decided to employ Rodaidh McDonald (known for his work with the xx and Sampha) and Philippe Zdar (Phoenix, Cassius, Beastie Boys) to “push” them creatively. Their 2019 LP marks the first time the band have worked with outside producers.

In an interview with Exclaim! the band’s Joe Goddard spoke about the themes of escapism and “togetherness and solidarity” on the album:

I think everyone is weighed down by problems that we face as a planet right now, you know? Whether it’s ecological or political. It’s easy to feel powerless and it’s easy for that depression to kind of take over.

In bringing their music to fans across the globe, Goddard sees the group’s role as to provide a “moment of respite,” although he recognizes the need for direct citizen engagement.

In a way, in this moment we really need people to not get lost in escapism, to not be kind of constantly absorbed by social media and Instagram and actually get into direct political action. Sometimes I wonder if we should be more overtly political, but I don’t think it really comes naturally to us to deal with political issues in a really overt way.