Chemical Brothers - Further

It’s been three years since we last heard from Chemical Brothers. In 2007, their album reached number one and they won (another) Grammy for Best Electronic/dance Album, making them the only band to have ever won it twice. They’re also credited to be the only electronic act worthy of an arena performance. All pretty impressive I’d say. But is Further enough to meet the high standard set by Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons over fifteen years of music?

The album is made with a set of visual clips to accompany each track. Unfortunately, said visuals have proven to be elusive without actually buying the album, so I had to settle for the preview of clips from the website. Some of them look like impressive pieces of visual art; however some of them do just look like showing off with a computer. It’s an interesting concept though and it wouldn’t surprise me if other artists starting using the idea. However, it’s also a tricky concept. Firstly, you have to have ‘made it’ in the business to playing games like these. Secondly, you have to be sure the music is hard-hitting enough to carry the album without the clips, which I’m not sure Further is.

Opening track ‘Snow’ is my favourite on the album. Gently building up to some beautiful Sigur Ros inspired vocals, the video clip features a woman diving in slow motion, backing up the majestic song and creating an intriguing start to the album. The track acts as the perfect introduction to a varied and interesting mix. These range from ‘Escape Velocity,’ very dance orientated, to ‘K+d+b,’ which has a drum beat resembling that of ‘There There’ by Radiohead. First single from the album, ‘Swoon,’ is also a great track. It ticks every box with regard to dance music. It’s perfect for getting ready to go out on these hot summer nights, so even if Chemical Brothers aren’t your thing, expect to be hearing it through a wall near you soon.

Chemical Brothers have a collection of hit singles under their belt. From my personal favourite ‘The Salmon Dance’ (you can’t beat a fish teaching you how to dance) to the almost annoyingly catchy ‘Hey Boy, Hey Girl.’ Unfortunately, ‘Swoon,’ or any other track on Further for that matter, won’t be joining the ranks of the elite Chemical Brothers’ singles. The duo seem to have got too distracted making their video clips and forgotten that they are musicians at heart. On many tracks it’s although the potential is there but they don’t quite reach it. Maybe I’d feel differently if I could accompany the tracks with the full visual experience, but as just a music experience, Further is disappointingly average.

Like it? Try Fatboy Slim, Faithless, Massive Attack and Moby

Further – Out now – 2 stars ★★☆☆☆

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