UK-based musical collectives Hot Chip and Sleaford Mods have seamlessly fused their starkly contrasting musical genres to create two compelling tracks as a benefit single for the esteemed War Child charity. The tracks, titled “Nom Nom Nom” and “Cat Burglar,” were recorded in the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios and pressed onto 7″ vinyl, accompanied by captivating artwork from English artist David Shrigley. The entirety of the proceeds from the sale of this single will be donated to War Child, which strives to enhance the psychosocial well-being of children caught in the throes of conflict.
This unprecedented collaboration came to fruition as part of Abbey Road's innovative Lock-In series, described by the studio as a venture aimed at "illuminating the musical creative experience, offering a rare glimpse into an otherwise cloistered process." For their latest Lock-In session, London's Hot Chip invited Nottingham duo Sleaford Mods into the studio, resulting in a collaboration affectionately dubbed 'Hot Mods.'
Reflecting on their unique pairing, Hot Chip enthused, "Crafting these songs within the hallowed confines of Abbey Road over the course of a single day was an exhilarating experience. We entered without a set plan but swiftly began working in perfect harmony, filled with improvisation and devoid of ego. We are deeply grateful to Sleaford Mods for embarking on this journey with us and are immensely proud of the final outcome."
Sleaford Mods' Jason Williamson added, "On that fateful day, we approached the session with an open mind and a willingness to surrender to the creative flow. ‘Nom Nom Nom’ is a lyrical sequel from our album UK GRIM, built upon Andrew's keyboard riff, elaborated by Hot Chip, and culminated in an exceptional chorus by Alexis. ‘Cat Burglar,’ on the other hand, is an eclectic blend of prog rock and B-52s-inspired jam, delving into the narrow confines of modern human existence."
As Williamson mentioned, Sleaford Mods' latest album, UK Grim, released in 2023, marked their highest-charting achievement, reaching the third spot on the UK charts. Similarly, Hot Chip's most recent endeavor, Freakout/Release, released in 2022, peaked at No. 16 in their homeland.
