Review Summary: Push The Button offers something slightly different...
Where do I start? Where do I begin? The latest installment in a long line of electronic duo funk comes another eye-opener. Push The Button is back with another one of those block rockin' beats from the masterful Brothers themselves. The album title speaks for itself. Push The Button is something they want you to do, but exactly WHICH button? Having competition against bands like The Prodigy and The Crystal Method, the Brothers have worked out a way to get back at the world with an album as groundbreaking as their live performances.
Galvanize - The moment you "Push The Button", you are greated with a middle-eastern pump-psychedelic tune, followed by the vocal talents of rapper Q-Tip. Its not the first time the brothers have used a rapper to depict their message from a song (Get Yourself High featuring K-OS is a prime example), but Galvanize stands out among the other songs. Why? Its nothing like they've ever done before, but unfortunately following the footsteps of Timbaland and Scott Storch, the middle-eastern flute is quickly shadowed by mainstream music of today. Galvanize is a highlight song, but falls short of time. 4/5
The Boxer - Tim Burgess helps out in this catchy tune. The Boxer tells the story of, well I don't know what the hell?! (like some of the Chemical Brothers older songs) but you don't need to listen to the lyrics much to understand the meaning. It features a small 1 minute sample of out-of-tune whistling noises, but tends to grow on you. 3.5/5
Believe - Another highlight of the album, Believe is a Bloc Party featurette with the help of lead singer Kele Okereke. Taking a few steps to the gutter, the Brothers change the style of music to urban big beat electronica once again, and the synchronized rough tune tells you why. "I needed to believe in something, I need you to believe in something..." is repeated throughout the song, but doesn't get old. 5/5
Hold Tight London - Imagine a cross between something from Lord of the Rings, and something from Paul McCartney. Got it in your head? Now play this song and compare it to what you pictured. Not much difference, is there? Hold Tight London sounds like an epic film riff, but that doesn't mean its a bad thing. Its actually quite good, and the vocal work makes you feel like a new person. Definitely one of the best on the album. 5/5
Come Inside - The Brothers make quick work of this one, with some more pump-jammin' samples to hit you from the back. You can't really say its a bad song, but can't say its too good either. The computer-programmed voice "Would you like to come inside" tends to get annoying, but the booming bassline balances it nicely. 3/5
The Big Jump - A simple, yet heart-pounding elastic tune. Tom Rowlands admitted the song as "being too damn catchy..." and I can see why he hates it and why we love it so much. 5/5
Left Right - A second rap song, featuring Anwar Superstar. Its not the thought that counts, its the way you think about it. And right now I think I almost got it confused for a Jay-Z song. Not a good move, brothers. 2/5
Close Your Eyes - Don't really know who is featured on this next song, but the vocals are soothing and peaceful. The lyrics are also well written too, with a few good notes. "In your eyes I can see that you're cracking up, and it pains my head...". One of my favorite lines off the track, and something that makes you wonder what the heck is going on with me right now? I'm listening to the song, but my mind is thinking of going back home. Lady, thats called a Chemical Brothers song. Excellent! 5/5
Shake Break Bounce - "Shake Bounce...Break Bounce...Bounce Bounce..." The Brothers gonna work it out with an extremely deep latino beat, but too bad its a bit short of the mark. It tends to get on your nerves, but thats what the Chemical Brothers are for. The guitar riff sticks to your head like superglue. 4.5/5
Marvo Ging - Get ready for a Rednex breakdown! Marvo Ging is a powerful, yet soulful song, and it shows them Rednex what dance music is about! Marvo Ging explains itself as it unwinds. 4.5/5
Surface to Air - Defnitely a favorite! Its a slow jam, increasing in tempo. And if you think of the title while listening to this song, you'll undestand why its called that. Its a great outro to the album. 5/5
