In a musical landscape filled with excess and self-indulgence, it’s refreshing to see a group advocate true human connection, whether in terms of love or camaraderie.

Britain-based electronic group Hot Chip has found success in this vein with “One Life Stand,” their fourth album. The ever-apparent technical skill, along with some of the group’s most heartfelt lyrics to date, puts this album on par with their previous successes.

Musically, the members of Hot Chip are masters of their trade. They continue to use synthesizers and the occasional flurry of electric guitar to make arrangements that fall into one of two camps. On songs such as “Keep Quiet” and “Alley Cats,” they create slow ballads that express a great amount of depth. The slower paces and subdued beats create a more atmospheric effect, which serves them well. However, the band is at its best when it creates songs that are meant for the dance floor. “I Feel Better” and “We Have Love” are brilliantly layered and upbeat, making for songs with real staying power.

The title track is the greatest manifestation of what distinguishes Hot Chip from other bands. It is a brilliant single that starts with a drum and bass beat and keeps building with steel drums and synthesizers. Lead singer Alexis Taylor uses his unique tenor voice—one with a fragile quality that is at once seductive and soothing—to a masterful effect. The lyrics seem to act as a thesis statement for the entire album: “I only want to be your one life stand. Tell me, do you stand by your man?” It is a heartfelt and emotionally wrenching battle cry for those who love unconditionally.

The one thing that keeps this album from achieving classic status is that several of the songs don’t hit the same highs as the best cuts. “Brothers” and “Slush” tend to drone on, the former having well-intended but ultimately weak lyrics. Additionally, this album is long, so it may turn off listeners who are looking for the instant satisfaction of the three-minute pop single.

Despite these shortcomings, “One Life Stand” is a great album by a group that knows maturity does not mean dullness. Hot Chip has proven this fact: Connections and pop music are not mutually exclusive.