Hot Chip Announce New Album A Long Way From Kansas, Share Single “Random Violence”: Stream

Hot Chip, the British electronic band, has announced their ninth studio album titled "A Long Way From Kansas", slated for release on January 8th, 2027, through Domino Records. To coincide with the announcement, the group has unveiled its lead single "Random Violence" and a music video. The 11-track album delves into themes of political unrest, violence, and a bleak world, while adopting a more distorted and punk-influenced sound.

Recorded at studio Relax and Enjoy in East London, the album features guest appearances from Beth Ditto and Eddie Chacon.

Lead vocalist Alexis Taylor revealed in a statement that the album reflects the world's harsh, discordant, violent, and depressing state, stating, "Maybe none of that’s new, and that doesn’t mean that every song is talking about the world and politics and genocide, but it was an unavoidable backdrop while making the music." The title "A Long Way From Kansas" draws inspiration from The Wizard of Oz, and the album's 11 tracks explore the search for belonging and stability amidst chaos.

The first single, "Random Violence", pays tribute to Keith McIvor, the late Scottish DJ and half of the Optimo duo. McIvor's death in September last year, attributed to an inoperable brain tumour, served as inspiration for the song, which juxtaposes violence with acts of kindness to capture the positivity and human connection he inspired.

Goddard shared, "Last year in September our old friend and brilliant DJ Keith McIvor of Optimo in Glasgow passed away after a diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour a few months earlier... Many of the words relate directly to his death and to memories of being in Sub Club in Glasgow where we met 20 years ago."

Directed by Jack Cole, the music video for "Random Violence" features the morris dancing group Boss Morris celebrating remembrance and resistance, inspired by Optimo's Halloween parties at Glasgow's Sub Club. "A Long Way From Kansas" follows Hot Chip's 2022 album "Freakout/Release". Earlier this year, the band appeared in the second season of Netflix's "Beef" alongside Oscar Isaac and celebrated the 20th anniversary of their sophomore album, "The Warning".

Hot Chip will embark on a UK and European tour in February 2027, including stops in Berlin, Paris, Dublin, Glasgow, and London. The band will also perform at Glasgow's Sub Club on October 21st in honor of McIvor. For upcoming tour dates and ticket availability, visit the provided link and use promo code COS20 for a $20 discount on orders of $200 or more.