2005 greets us with a more mature Chemical Brothers than we have ever been exposed to before. In their latest work, they seem unafraid to ask hard questions, but it is this fearlessness that takes some of the punch out of their traditional four on the floor formula. Where they once promoted a carefree drug fueled party mentality, they now attempt to raise political consciousness. They also manage to explore more of the subtleties of musicality, moving beyond the block rockin’ beats that made them ‘Superstar DJ’s’ in the first place. However, this type of departure from their standard form will surely alienate veteran Chemical fans.
Push the button begins with a call to arms espoused by Q-tip from A Tribe Called Quest. “Don’t hold back… Galvanize” is the anthem. This song could either be a response to the neo-McCarthyism of the Bush/Blair new world order, where speaking your mind is the worst antipatriotic crime one can commit; or a simple mantra to living fearlessly. Either way, the message is clear, “You shouldn’t even care, ‘bout those losers in the air and their crooked stares. ‘Cause there’s a party over here, so you might as well be here, where the people care.”
Now master story tellers, Tom and Ed weave an epic tale of hope (Believe), revolution (Left Right), sex (Come Inside), destruction (Shake Break Bounce) and rebirth (Surface to Air). The Chemical Brothers continue to Push the Button, moving onward and outward, treading undiscovered sonic ground and tackling new ideas. Deep and often frightening ideas give way to simple musings about life and love. The modern world seems to complicate daily and The Brothers reflect the full spectrum of a society at odds with itself. While some of us would like to believe that utopia is just around the corner, the bitter truth is that we are dangling on the precipice of self destruction.
In the end, The Chemical Brothers deliver with psychedelic bravado a complicated message, leaving the listener with more questions than answers. The brother’s gonna work it out? Not this time – it is up to us! If we want to experience utopia; we will have to work for it! Viva la revolucion! |