resfest closing night party with hot chip

Hot Chip — who are either about to be signed to Domino or Astralwerks in the US, I got conflicting reports at this show from label people  — played the closing night resfest party on Sunday at the Hiro Ballroom. I had seen Hot Chip back in March when they opened for Maximo Park and this was pretty much the same show; five schlubby Brit dudes playing Prince-style funk behind a row of keyboards. Somehow, they manage to make it totally endearing. The crowd — many of whom were there for a wrap party for a Citibank commercial Traktor were filming in town (happily coinciding with their resfest retrospective) — seemed bemused but amused by the whole thing. The party was actually a lot of fun, and mostly hipster free. (A least the kind of hipsters I’m used to being around.)

Franz Ferdinand, in town doing press for their upcoming sophomore disc as well as playing some Sony Music rah rah corporate even on Monday, were there. Everyone but Alex, at least — checking out their  label-mates and enjoying the expensive drinks. They can probably afford them at this point. Here are some pictures…

A couple more on Flickr.