The Chemical Brothers are back with their fifth studio, 'Push The Button', Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons once again demonstrate that, when it comes to beat-based innovation, inspired collaboration and sheer sonic excellence, they are matchless. The first single 'Galvanize' is a Middle Easton-flavoured juggernaut, featuring A Tribe Called Quest legend Q-Tip. Old sparring partner Tim Burgess continues a run of sublime hook-ups with 'The Boxer'. Also representing the hip hop world that was Tom'n'Ed's first love is Anwar Superstar, brother of Mos Def and here vocalist of 'Left Right'.
From the other end of the cultural spectrum comes Kele Okereke, singer with hot new art-rock outfit Bloc Party; his chopped up, mantric vocals on 'Believe' show why he's one of the most exciting new frontmen in Britain. 'Close Your Eyes', meanwhile, recalls the psychedelic soul of the Chemicals' past collaborations with Mercury Rev and Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips; this time, their crative partners are the massively-tipped The Magic Numbers, the double-sibling foursome who have been causing all manner of fuss on the London gig circuit. You heard their Mamas and The Papas-type harmonies here first.