One can never accuse the Chemical Brothers of consistency. We Are the Night continues their eclectic electronica approach even though the big-beat groove of the title track remains their digital calling card. Spotted with a minimalist keyboard pattern, vocal non sequiturs, and sampled sound effects, the infectious groove of "We Are the Night" eventually evolves into the monotone-chanted dance chorus of "We are the night skies/We are the bright lies," recalling Brian Eno circa Here Come the Warm Jets. However, for every catchy electro-dance, there's a tune that leaves you scratching your head. What to make of the novelty song "The Salmon Dance" is anybody's guess, though you might find some illumination in a salmon recipe on their Web site. With fractured nursery-rhyme lyrics that are sung like an off-color Sesame Street rap, it will drive you up the wall--or at least toward the skip button. Then there's Midlake singing the trancey ballad "The Pills Won't Help You Now," making the Chemical Brothers sound like a sci-fi version of Coldplay. Retro-analog synthesizers dominate, with the electro-grooves of "Das Spiegel," "Burst Generator," and "Saturate," which builds on a Kraftwerk-forged metal framework coupled with storming sampled drums. The circuits of '70s techno-pop artist the Normal are re-soldered on "Do It Again." With Ali Love singing the title-track chorus, it's built to be a summertime anthem akin to Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)," albeit robotically chilled. --John Diliberto

Fuckers dissed Fatlip, they're on my shitlist now, but they DID namedrop 'The Normal', a band whose existence is responsible for me marrying Whirly.

One of the better reviews i've seen so far. I can't believe they dissed Fatlip! What were they thinking!?

It's definitely a fair review, though slightly jaded.

I think the reviewer picked two tracks to focus on, gleaned over the rest and called it a review. Not bad, not bad.

Agreed Pooter. It was an OK enough review, nothing glaringly horrid and nothing outstandingly positive. It's hard to sum up an album in a short paragraph and Salmon Dance isn't for everyone which is fair enough. But comparing The Pills Won't Help You Now to Cold Play? Come on.

Ah well. Score 1 for the recipes!!! Sammy gets a nod as does the website.

Anyone for jerk chicken? :lol:

That's good to see a review that doesn't say "all good" from time to time. I've talked with a friend today that really REALLY dislike the album, but is quite a big fan of the chems.

We Are The Bright Lies???...huh?