The Chems last collated their singles in 2004 heralded by the underrated Golden Path, featuring the Flaming Lips, which is deservedly included again on Brotherhood. Since then albums Push the Button and We Are the Night have produced the mighty Galvanize, featuring Q-Tip, and last year's Saturate, which proved they are still the masters of instrumental mutant dance. The duo once said they made "accidental pop records" and they have certainly hurled some strange music at the charts. Star Guitar is quite overwhelming, designed to flush the heart and mind, Hey Boy, Hey Girl is still quite demented as is the ululating siren in Block Rockin' Beats. There's a bonus disc that rounds up their Electronic Battle Weapons - their numbered 12-inch only club tunes. Head to the sinister No 7, which combines a zinging acid line with an ominous voice booming, "You are all my children now!" Nobody does it better.
CD: The Chemical Brothers, Brotherhood
Contributor
John Burgess
John Burgess writes dance music reviews for the Guardian most Fridays, founded Jockey Slut magazine (RIP) and is now associate editor of Dummy. He also promotes the long running techno night Bugged Out and power ballads night Erection Section (one club is busier than the other).
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