ELECTRONICA

Latest releases reviewed

CHEMICAL BROTHERS Push the Button Virgin ****
Those who thought the Chemical Brothers would have been reduced by now to churning out digitally-enhanced photocopies of their original block-rocking beats are in for a surprise. The duo's fifth album is an extra-large wow, with a resolute belief in the notion that less is more coming through time and time again. Few tracks are cluttered, few vocal collaborators overstay their welcome and there are welcome stabs at blue-sky productions. Whether it's Bloc Party's Kele Okereke on the powerful Believe, Q-Tip shadowboxing his way through Galvanize, Tim Burgess smouldering on The Boxer or newcomers The Magic Numbers providing glitter and gold for Close Your Eyes, there's a sweet drift towards higher ground. Best of all, though, is when the Brothers fly away without guests on the closing instrumental Surface to Air, a groove resounding with euphoric, slightly melancholic bliss. Those four stars are wholly deserved. www.thechemicalbrothers.com
Jim Carroll