Chemical Brothers

Editor's Review:

Until recently, the Chemical Brothers have always been my go-to guys when I needed a little pick-me-up: I’d throw in a little Come With Us when getting fired up to go out, or Dig Your Own Hole for motivation while cleaning the house. This duo’s technical musings quickly became my “background beats,” never really being the focus of my attention but managing to keep me stimulated at the same time. But when asked to review Push the Button, the Manchester pair’s fifth studio release, I decided this time around, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons would get my full attention.
“Galvanize” is the perfect entrance point to the rest of this album. Featuring Q-Tip, formerly of A Tribe Called Quest, this track has a hip-hop flavor and minimalist techno aspects. The thunderous beat on “Come Inside” precedes a complete programmed assault with ever changing beats, synth flutterings and even a little cowbell. But then, the politically charged “Left Right” is straight-up hip-hop with a ‘70s guitar sample thrown in; and a couple tracks aren’t even really dance numbers at all, instead going for acoustic guitars and sweet vocals. But after really listening to these tracks, I realized I’ve taken the interjections — the slight jungle beats, the cymbal clashes, the elusive vocals — for granted. What makes them decide to put that rattle there, that tinging here? Who knows; but I’ve come to understand that the ability for those songs — with all their tinkerings — to blend into a setting and not require center stage is a true testament to the Chemical Brothers’ unique craft.
– Mandy Johnston
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Record Label Astralwerks Released March 2005

Tracks Galvanize The Boxer Believe Hold Tight London Come Inside The Big Jump Left Right Close Your Eyes Shake Break Bounce Marvo Ging Surface to Air

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