7/10

It is fairly unclear at this point as to whether Alexis Taylor has now begun to fully separate himself from his formative band Hot Chip. 'Beautiful Thing' stands as his third record of the last three years, all of which have been released since we last heard any new Hot Chip material. But while the previous companion albums 'Piano' and 'Listen With(out) Piano' saw him take on a far more minimal approach to production, this new release gets him back on the electronic tip with aplomb.

Produced by the legendary founder of DFA Records Tim Goldsworthy, and the occasional beat work from bandmate Joe Goddard, 'Beautiful Thing' sets itself up as more of an extension of his work with Hot Chip rather than the separation we have seen on his previous solo records. But it is clear from the start that this is exactly the kind of music Taylor feels at home with, as he moves and melts himself throughout a range of interesting ideas that usually leave us captivated or at least intrigued.

It may not have the instant firepower we were expecting and certainly feels like a gear change when compared to his other solo material, but 'Beautiful Thing' certainly feels like a musician trying to rekindle his initial fire. Taylor is definitely on a journey of discovery right now and it wouldn't surprise us to hear that Hot Chip would also be returning very soon as well.