We Are the Night (CD - 2007)

When the Chemical Brothers debuted in 1995 with their stunning first album, EXIT PLANET DUST, they virtually plotted electronic music's ascent into the mainstream. Their fresh take on breaks-based big-beat electronica--mixing elements of hip-hop, acid house, and hard rock--would win them both critical and popular accolades, and propel them to arena-sized stages around the world. Now, with the electronic and rock worlds fully bridged, the Chemicals offer us a more nuanced version of musical fusion on WE ARE THE NIGHT (2007).

The cut-and-paste musical radicalism of their hip-hop influenced past is now mitigated by the silky-smooth tech-R&B strains of disco, house, and their futuristic variants. On "Do It Again," modernized electro-funk beats churn robotically against guest vocalist Ali Love's appropriately dispassionate delivery. Reminiscent of the call-and-response verse/chorus rapping delivery of many dance-floor R&B hits, its appeal to pop audiences seems insured. Other tracks are definitive nods to their underground dance roots. The growling acid-house synths of "Saturate" blend seamlessly with bombastic stadium-rock drums. A peak-hour dance-floor slayer, it proves the Chemicals still have an assured footing with DJs and electronica purists. Proving again that electronic music need not wear a hair shirt to have a purpose; the Chemicals have delivered another vital blast of block-rocking beats for electronic party-people. minimize