The Chemical Brothers
Issue #23
Push the Button (Astralwerks)
By Charlotte Robinson
Published: March 1st, 2005 | 3:57pm
Although Singles 93-03 nicely summarized the Chemical Brothers' first decade, judging by the duo's fifth and latest studio effort, it was not meant to mark the end of an era. Again, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons deliver about a dozen tracks of big beats, enough sampled guitar hooks to keep rockers interested, and a gaggle of guest vocalists — pretty much their formula since 1997's Dig Your Own Hole. The pairings feel a bit more organic this time, perhaps because the collaborators' names aren't as big as they were in the Noel Gallagher days. The Charlatans' Tim Burgess returns for "The Boxer," but new names include indie rocker Kele Okereke of Bloc Party and British siblings the Magic Numbers.
Q-Tip delivers one of the best performances with the Eastern-tinged, party-hard opener "Galvanize," while the biggest surprises are the fiery anti-war rap by Mos Def's brother Anwar Superstar on "Left Right" and the ethereal, almost folky "Close Your Eyes," sung by the Magic Numbers. Otherwise, the Chemicals don't deliver anything new. "Come Inside" offers a chorus of creepy robot voices; "The Big Jump" is a bouncy dance number akin to "Hey Boy Hey Girl"; and "Marvo Ging" offers a touch of the mostly absent psychedelia of past efforts. It's good stuff, but nothing here achieves the booty-shaking intensity of "Block Rockin' Beats" or the grand pop sound of "Let Forever Be." Listening to Push the Button is a little like visiting your favorite chain restaurant: it's a bit predictable, but at least you know what you're getting.
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