The world’s favourite psychedelic acid-beat duo have always combined moments of egotistic indulgence and mind-numbing formula with visionary brilliance. Most of their albums to date have managed to be interesting and retain a certain buoyancy, with the notable of their terrible last outing "Come With Us", which failed to achieve any kind of semi-incendiary atmosphere and lacked artistic coherence and forward-thinking vision.
This fifth studio album is therefore a big pressure for the Chems. Not only are they expected to re-assert their dominance within the electronic beats arena, they're also expected, as deeply dedicated dance aficionados, to help pull the scene out if it’s post-narco lull.
Judging by the press blurb that accompanies the release - “an immense and brooding album that looks set to once again revitalise dance music into 2005 and beyond, marking more than ten years of relevance in clubland…” – the pair seem more than geared up for the challenge.
"Galvanize", the LP’s leading salvo, doesn’t quite back up such an ambitious statement however. Certainly it’s a credible attempt at vogue-ish Middle Eastern-flavoured hip-hop (featuring former Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip) but as well produced and mildly hypnotic as it is, it fails to truly ignite.
Much of the rest of "Push The Button" veers between an inspiring open-ended sense of experimentation and creative freedom – some of which works, some of which doesn’t - and a reliance on old formulas. "Hold Tight London" (with Anna Lynne) is directly reminiscent of "Under the Influence" (from "Surrender"); "Close Your Eyes" has a distinctive Chems signature; "The Boxer" features old buddy Tim Burgess, who gives a distinctively different performance to previous collaborations.
More experimental fare can be found on "Believe" (featuring the Bloc Party's Kele Okereke), a surprising foray into supine house (on the final track), the sweeping, insouciant electro moments that punctuate the LP, and the military march of "Left, Right", with Anwar Superstar, brother of Mos Def.
Overall the duo have given us a much braver and stronger album than their last, but as far as anything truly revolutionary goes it’s merely a step in the right direction…
