New Chemicals: Review — Forum Archive

18 Jan 2005, 01:50

Anyone downloaded a copy of "Push the Button" before its release?! Just how good is this album? I came on here slating "Come With Us" three years ago (though admittedly gave it another chance on a Caribbean holiday a year later and learned to love it) but "PTB" hits all the right notes straight from the off. Been caning this since Sunday.

Guess everyone's heard "Galvanize" already, and what a storming opener to get things under way. Love the vocoded "Push The Button" refrain. "The Boxer" with Tim Burgess follows. 'Follow-up' single stamped all over it. Not a Charlatans fan so was surprised at how polished Burgess's vocals are nowadays. Thought my copy was skipping at first, mind, but you'd have to hear the track to appreciate that. Next up "Believe" with Kele from Bloc Party - dirty little beast this one, reminds me of some mid-90's hardhouse affair, with layers being added on top of layers as the track grows and growls. Kele's vocal's didn't convince on first listen, but definitely works given a few more plays. Good track to crank up nice and loud. "Hold Tight London" is perhaps a little lightweight for these ears, but two stormers straight after in "Come Inside", which reminds me of "Denmark" from "CWU" - sorta track you could see ACR knocking out at one of their encores, lots of brass and bass slapping over frenetic beats. Luvverly. Then "The Big Jump" which has me in mind of prototype New Order, fractured guitars and random blips over a repetitive dance beat. Of course, every album has its duff tracks (it's the law) and "Close Your Eyes" sounds a little Deacon Blue to me, whilst "Left Right" is a bizarre creature which features a hip-hop (c)rap over swirling 60's psychedelic keyboards namechecking the likes of Saddam Hussain and Idi Amin, not the first two names I'd conjure up on a Chemicals record. Jury's still out on that one. Fantastic closer to the album though in "Surface to Air" which sounds like the bastard offspring of Underworld and U2. Er, but don't let that put you off.

All in all, sounds like the Chemicals have gone back to basics here and dropped all the clever trevor stuff. In the main, big beats and repetitive rhythms but with a sprinkling of the Mad Professor about them as random splurts and starts are mixed in as the tracks progress.

8/10

18 Jan 2005, 05:19

You still using same username?

If so I will glady review this as well;)

18 Jan 2005, 05:26

Hearing the Chemical Brothers in here? you must be kidding...

I think I've only seen Blockrocking Beats (sp?) on TV once, and that was the only thing that I've ever heard from the Chemical here!!

18 Jan 2005, 12:30

Originally posted by Spotnick Hearing the Chemical Brothers in here? you must be kidding...I think I've only seen Blockrocking Beats (sp?) on TV once, and that was the only thing that I've ever heard from the Chemical here!!

Nic,aren`t you forgetting Out Of Control?.... :evil4:

18 Jan 2005, 12:34

Try listening to SYSTEM 7

18 Jan 2005, 12:35

Originally posted by STEVEone > Originally posted by Spotnick> Hearing the Chemical Brothers in here? you must be kidding...> > I think I've only seen Blockrocking Beats (sp?) on TV once, and that was the only thing that I've ever heard from the Chemical here!!

Nic,aren`t you forgetting Out Of Control?.... :evil4: Formerly known as SEB :laugh:

18 Jan 2005, 19:00

Tidy work Al.

Been caning the album in my car for a fortnight now. The Chems are part of the Big Day Out tour here next week and I'm also flying to Sydney to see them in their solo show (again at the Hordern Pavillion, feels like NO's summer 02 all over).

CAN'T WAIT to hear what they do with the likes of 'Galvanise', 'Come Inside' and 'Surface to Air' live. All of which I know are part of the current live mix having downloaded their last '04 show in Chile. Be interesting to see which other PtB tracks slip into the set.

I'll let you know what you're in for if you're planning on catching their UK tour in March.

As far as the album goes, it's difficult to compare it to the others. I was huge on the first two, the third had some awesome moments and the fourth was a real grower. This one seems to be more eclectic, perhaps doesn't have the one knockout tune but it's laced with quality, huge sonics and invention throughout.

:\pimp3:

19 Jan 2005, 13:48

Hearing Galvanize on the radio has been a treat amidst all of the dross I normally hear, so I am also anxious to hear the new album. Here's another vote about not being immediately swayed by Come With Us, but has come to love that album.