The members of Hot Chip want you to know one thing: They will hurt you.

The London-based band, whose unique electro-pop/hip-hop/indie sound has found a substantial fan base in the American college music scene, is known for its pulsing beats, dreamy vocals and witty lyrics. In the title track of the group's latest album, The Warning, singers Joe Goddard and Alexis Taylor sweetly sing "Hot Chip will break your legs / snap off your head," all while melodic chimes tinkle in the background.

But under the synthesizers, drums and wordplay, the group sings what they call "honest words about food and love."

As part of its U.S. tour, Hot Chip will perform a free show, sponsored by WMRE, at the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points on Monday at 8 p.m. Shuttles will run from the Dobbs University Center to the concert every half-hour starting at 5 p.m. The event is part of WMRE's Spring Band Party, which has previously hosted Mastodon and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.

"We really want to bring revolutionary acts that Emory students might not have heard of yet, but within a few months will have mtvU's biggest hit," said College sophomore and event organizer Anneka Reid.

Given the momentum Hot Chip has gained recently, Reid's prediction seems likely to come true.

At the band's core is singing/songwriting team Goddard and Taylor, who began performing together when they were 16 years old. Felix Martin on drum machines, and Al Doyle and Owen Clarke on synthesizers and guitars joined the band in 2003 when Goddard and Taylor decided to play live music.

"We needed more people," Taylor said in an interview with the Wheel. "We didn't just want to rely on computers or backing tracks."

Hot Chip has released two albums, Coming on Strong in 2004 and The Warning in 2006. The band has had two top-40 singles in the U.K., and New Musical Express (nme.com) named its single "Over and Over" the best song of 2006.

Each of the group's songs sounds like a different genre. Some have obvious roots in rap and R&B, whereas others are reminiscent of Britpop, and still others sound like indie ballads. But the common thread between all of them is the cool whine of synthesizers, which subtly complement every style without transforming them into full-on electronica.

The band has been influenced by an eclectic group of artists, including Stevie Wonder, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Timbaland and Gang Gang Dance. The result is two danceable albums that translate to high-energy live performances.

"People should come with the expectation of having a good time," Taylor said of Monday's show.

In order to gain recognition both on and off campus, WMRE has made this show free not only for the Emory community but for the public as well. Special benefits for students with Emory Cards include a 10 percent discount at 42 Degrees South, $5 off any piercing and 10 percent off any tattoo at Sacred Heart Tattoo.

Tickets are not required for entrance, but only ticket holders are guaranteed admission to the show. For more information, check out WMRE's website at www.wmre.fm.

"WMRE views this year's band party as a way of exposing more students to a larger act," said WMRE General Manager Brian Kelly, "as well as having Emory students move outside the Emory bubble."

- Contact Camille Bullock at ecbullo@emory.edu